Start Your Regina Child Care Services Business Today
Thinking about starting a child care services business in Regina? This page delivers a practical, step‑by‑step guide to launching a compliant operation under NAICS 624410. You’ll get a clear overview of the 11 requirements, the permits and licenses you’ll likely need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline from idea to first day of care. It’s designed to be actionable and easy to follow.
What you’ll learn: the 11 regulatory requirements and how to meet them, from choosing a compliant space and meeting health and safety standards to securing staff qualifications, background checks, and insurance. We outline the permit process, inspections, and the expected costs so you can budget with confidence. You’ll also get a practical timeline showing when to file applications, complete trainings, and open your doors.
Why Regina? Regina’s growing families and strong community networks create steady demand for high‑quality child care, while a clear provincial licensing pathway helps you plan with confidence. With this guide, you’ll navigate the 11 requirements efficiently and position your business as a trusted local option for Regina kids and parents.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a child care business in Regina is the Saskatchewan Child Care Centre Licence. This license is legally required to run a licensed program, and you cannot legally operate without it. If you’re running a home-based program instead of a centre, you’ll need the Saskatchewan Family Child Care Home Licence—either way, licensing is non-negotiable and determines how you can serve families.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: health, safety, and permits. Your licensing will spell out important rules around the facility, staff qualifications, safety procedures, and child ratios. In addition to the preschool or family care licence, you’ll likely need a City of Regina Business Licence to operate locally. If you hire staff, you’ll also need to address workplace safety registrations (like WCB) and implement appropriate health and safety practices, background checks, emergency plans, sanitation, and safe equipment. Keeping those standards in mind from day one helps you avoid delays later.
Business Registration & Tax. To formally set up your business, register your name with Saskatchewan’s ISC and obtain a Business Number (BN) from the federal government for tax and payroll purposes. Depending on your structure, you may also register your Saskatchewan Corporation or form a partnership, and you’ll handle GST/HST registration if your revenue meets the threshold. If you have employees, you’ll manage payroll deductions and related registrations. These steps help you stay compliant with tax rules and funding requirements.
Encouragement and next steps. Start by choosing whether you’ll run a centre or a family child care home, then tackle licensing in that context. Next, secure the municipal licence, set up your business structure, and line up tax registrations and employer obligations. If you’d like, I can help map out a simple 8–12 week plan to get you from paper to opening day, so you feel confident and ready to support families in Regina.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a child care services in Regina:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Regina. Apply to City of Regina for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact City of Regina Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Saskatchewan Business Name Registration (ISC) RequiredBusinesses in Saskatchewan operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Corporate Registry. This applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations, banking, and licensing. Registration can be completed online through Corporate Registry. Business name registrations must be renewed every 5 years for sole proprietorships and partnerships. Register with ISC (Information Services Corporation) for business name. Required for sole proprietorships with trade name, partnerships. $65 registration fee, $60 renewal. Name reservation valid 90 days. Online registration also registers with Ministry of Finance and CRA.
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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Saskatchewan Child Care Centre Licence RequiredProvincial Child Care Center Licensing requirement for businesses in this jurisdiction. This licensing requirement ensures compliance with provincial regulations, protects consumers, and maintains industry standards. Requirements typically include business registration, professional qualifications or training, facility standards where applicable, insurance coverage, and adherence to relevant codes of practice. Specific details vary by province and business type. Businesses must consult relevant provincial authorities, regulatory colleges, or licensing bodies for complete requirements. Operating without required licensing may result in fines, closure orders, or inability to legally operate. Obtain childcare centre licence from Saskatchewan Ministry of Education: 1. Complete ECE education requirements 2. Obtain First Aid and CPR certification 3. Complete orientation with program consultant 4. Obtain criminal record checks for all staff 5. Submit application to Early Years Branch 6. Pass facility inspection 7. Maintain 6 hours professional development annually 8. Participate in $10/day program (optional)
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Saskatchewan Family Child Care Home Licence RequiredChild care centers and licensed home daycares must be licensed by provincial child care licensing authorities. Licensing protects children through mandatory standards for caregiver qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, facility safety, health and sanitation, programming, and nutrition. Applicants must pass facility inspections, demonstrate adequate space and equipment, conduct criminal record checks for all staff, maintain required insurance, and implement child protection policies. Licensed capacity limits are strictly enforced. Staff must have ECE (Early Childhood Education) qualifications or equivalent. Centers must implement emergency plans, maintain immunization records, and follow medication administration protocols. Regular inspections verify ongoing compliance. Serious violations result in provisional licenses, compliance orders, or license revocations. Operating unlicensed daycares is illegal and dangerous, risking child safety and resulting in closure orders and prosecution. Obtain family childcare home licence from Ministry of Education: 1. Complete 40-hour introductory ECE course (within 1 year of licensing) 2. Obtain First Aid and CPR certification 3. Complete orientation with program consultant 4. Obtain criminal record checks for all adults in home 5. Submit application to Early Years Branch 6. Pass home inspection 7. Maintain 6 hours professional development annually
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Registered Charity Status (Social Services) RequiredMany social service organizations operate as registered charities to receive tax-exempt status and issue donation receipts. CRA registration and compliance required. CRA registers charities federally (T2050 application). Ontario: Extra-Provincial Corporations Act for foreign charities. Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA) for provincial incorporation. Charitable purpose required. Annual T3010 filing. Disbursement quota rules. ONCA transition completed Oct 2024. Contact CRA Charities: 1-800-267-2384.
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships in Saskatchewan. Register partnership with ISC: 1. Complete partnership registration form 2. Submit through ISC 3. Pay registration fees General and limited partnerships. Annual return may be required.
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Saskatchewan WCB Employer Registration ConditionalRequired if you have employees in Saskatchewan. Employers in Saskatchewan must register with the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) and maintain coverage for workers. WCB provides insurance for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers are required to register, with some exceptions for specific industries and self-employed individuals. Registration should occur before hiring the first worker or commencing operations. Employers pay premiums based on their industry classification rate and assessable payroll. Register with Saskatchewan WCB for workers compensation coverage. Required for employers in mandatory industries. 2024 average premium rate $1.28 per $100 payroll. Maximum assessable earnings $104,531. Directors on T4 excluded from 2025.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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Saskatchewan Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in Saskatchewan. Incorporation of a company under Saskatchewan law. Incorporate through ISC Corporate Registry: 1. Conduct NUANS name search 2. Prepare articles of incorporation 3. Submit through ISC online or registry 4. Pay incorporation fees Annual return required. Federal incorporation is alternative option.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your child care services:
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Two streams: Community-Based (up to $25,000 for local projects led by and for seniors) and Pan-Canadian ($1M–$5M for national collective impact initiatives). The most recent Community-Based intake closed September 17, 2025; Pan-Canadian intake closed November 2023. Next call dates have not been announced as of early 2026. The program runs …
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Provided contributions to settlement, employment, and community organizations delivering programs addressing employment barriers for racialized newcomer women, including work placements, mentorships, job counselling, and support for gender- and race-based discrimination. Program renewal ended in 2025; no new open call as of early 2026. Over 2,200 racialized newcomer women were served …
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