Your Local CCRR: An Underused Resource for Childcare Providers

If you've never reached out to your local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) centre, you might be surprised by just how much support is sitting there, free for the asking.

The Lending Library. Many CCRRs maintain a lending library that reflects their region's community and demographics — toys, gross and fine motor materials, themed educational bins, story kits, and books in multiple languages, along with Indigenous-focused and cultural items and larger inclusive play equipment. If you're furthering your own education, you can also borrow textbooks and educational resources to support your learning journey. For a new home daycare or preschool trying to build up materials on a tight budget, this alone can be a real cost-saver.

Mentorship and support. CCRR staff are often a first point of contact for anyone running or starting a childcare program. They can help you understand what funding and programs are available to you, walk you through what's involved in opening a licensed childcare location, connect you with your local licensing officials, and point you toward professional development opportunities. Support happens in a few different ways — site visits, mobile or virtual outreach, and one-on-one office visits — so you don't need to figure everything out on your own.

Help with the paperwork. This is one of the most practical parts: CCRR staff can help you complete and submit claim forms for the Affordable Child Care Benefit, navigate the online Service Provider portal, and apply for ChildCareBC programs like Child Care Operating Funding, the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative, Start-Up Grants, the ECE Wage Enhancement, and the Maintenance Fund. If you're looking into Start-Up Grants to help open your own home daycare, this is exactly the kind of application your local CCRR can walk you through. If forms and applications feel overwhelming, this is exactly what CCRR staff are there to help untangle.

Professional development. CCRRs organize training grounded in BC's Early Learning Framework, offered both in person and virtually, with a focus on accessible, inclusive, and culturally appropriate practices. There's sometimes a small fee, but it's a built-in way to keep developing your skills after certification.

If you're becoming a licensed provider. CCRR staff will connect you with your local health authority to begin the actual licensing process, and support you through applying for the funding programs available to newly licensed providers.

Whether you're just starting out or you've been running a program for years, it's worth a call to your local CCRR to see what's available in your area — much of this support exists specifically because navigating the system alone is hard, and you don't have to.