Tip sheets

This section offers quick, practical tips to help CAF families explore child care options, prepare for conversations with providers, and make confident decisions. Each resource is designed to guide you through what to look for, what questions to ask, and where to find reliable provincial, territorial, and community supports, so you can choose what works best for your family.

Emergency Child Care: A Guide to Being Prepared

Emergencies such as sudden deployments and extended work hours can add to the challenges, create an urgency for child care, and underline the need for having a clear plan in place.

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Navigating Child Care: Understanding Licensed vs. Unlicensed Options

The first step in accessing child care is knowing about the various options available to you and the regulatory oversights for each option.

Discover the various options available to you

Unlicensed Home-Based Child Care

Interview Questions to Help You Find the Right Child Care Provider

Learn more about unlicensed home-based child care

A Guide to Preparing for Child Care at a New Location

Familiarizing yourself with the child care options at your new location and exploring available financial assistance can reduce stress and improve your chances of finding child care.

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Navigating Child Care Waitlists: A Guide for Families

Understand waitlists and how to navigate them using some effective strategies.

Updated May 2026. If you see information that’s incorrect, please contact childcare@cfmws.com.