1. family and parenting
2. children

Ontario Early Years Centre
Licensed Home Child Care
CROW Licensed Home Child Care
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers – Providers
What is CROW?
Children’s Resources on Wheels (CROW) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and
strengthening child care, family life, child development, and community links in Lanark County. We
currently provide families with two main streams of service: Licensed Home Child Care and the
Ontario Early Years Centre (OEYC)
What is CROW Licensed Home Child Care?
The Ministry of Education licenses private-home day care agencies like CROW. These agencies then
contract individual caregivers (providers) who offer child care out of their home. These providers
may care for up to five daycare children from the ages of 6 weeks to 12 years as set out by the Day
Nurseries Act (DNA). For more information go to our website www.crowoeyc.com or telephone
613-283-0095 (toll free 1-800-267-9252) extension 301 or 306.
What are the benefits of being a CROW provider?
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I will receive continual support from the CROW Home Visitor
I will get help with menu planning and ideas for activities (i.e. songs, games, crafts)
I can borrow equipment such as double strollers, playpens, gates, high chairs, baby
monitors, etc.
I can choose my work hours and the days I want to work
The families I provide care for pay CROW, so I always get paid for my work
I can participate in ongoing professional education and networking events
I will be self-employed and can claim business expenses on my income tax
Can I pick my own hours for providing child care?
All of the providers who contract their serves to CROW are self-employed and therefore choose
their own hours and programming styles.
How do I get paid? Do I have to collect parent fees?
CROW collects the fees from parents. The provider submits an invoice to CROW for services
rendered so that parents can be billed. Providers are reimbursed by direct deposit every two
weeks.
Children’s Resources on Wheels (CROW)
91 Cornelia Street West, Smiths Falls, ON K7A 5L3
Phone 613-283-0095 or 1-800-267-9252
Fax 613-283-3324
Website www.crowoeyc.com
How do I find children to care for?
The Home Visitor arranges visits with parents in your community. We attempt to match families
and providers based on suitability to one another.
What does a Home Visitor do?
Child care providers are screened (approved), monitored and supported by people called “home
visitors”. Home visitors have training in early childhood education, child development, and/or
family studies. They check that the home is safe for children according to child behaviour
management, nutrition, health and sanitary practices.
How often does a Home Visitor visit the provider’s home?
The Day Nurseries Act requires a home visitor to visit once every three months. CROW strives to
visit every month.
What kind of set up and/or programming do I have to offer?
All of the providers follow the Day Nursery Act according to rules and regulations. The providers
personalize their program with regards to activities, variety of toys, field trips, walks, and daily
schedule. The Home Visitor visits the providers homes regularly to ensure their home is kept up to
code.
Does the provider supply food?
In a typical day, the provider will serve a morning snack, lunch and an afternoon snack, following
recommendations of the Canada Food Guide. All menus must be posted. In case of special
diet/allergies parents need to supply their own food. Food and milk (bottles) for infants are
supplied by the parents.
What if I have a concern about a child in my care?
We strongly encourage communication between the parent and provider. However, under certain
circumstances the Home Visitor should be called to help intervene.
Do I receive any training and support from CROW?
You will receive training from the Home Visitor during visits and you can participate in child care
networking and training events, workshops and meetings.
Can I provide care to children that are not placed in my home by CROW?
Children’s Resources on Wheels (CROW)
91 Cornelia Street West, Smiths Falls, ON K7A 5L3
Phone 613-283-0095 or 1-800-267-9252
Fax 613-283-3324
Website www.crowoeyc.com
You may also care for children privately, however the total number (including age ratios) of
children in care in your home must meet the regulations as set out in the Day Nurseries Act related
to Licensed Home Child Care.
Do I have to provide transportation?
It is the responsibility of the parent to drop-off and pick-up their child. School age children either
walk or take the school bus. Some providers offer field trips during the day; they use their own
vehicle. The providers are only allowed to transport children, if they have car seats and the
parent’s permission.
Children’s Resources on Wheels (CROW)
91 Cornelia Street West, Smiths Falls, ON K7A 5L3
Phone 613-283-0095 or 1-800-267-9252
Fax 613-283-3324
Website www.crowoeyc.com