Have you heard about the updates made to the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA)? In case you missed it, the AECEO has got your back!
Summary of Changes
On June 23, 2026, the Ministry of Education sent a memo to child care licensees sharing updates to the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA). The majority of the changes are regarding health and safety policies in the following areas:
- Vehicle impact protection;
- Enhanced safety for septic systems;
- Hazard mitigation;
- Administration of medication;
- Supervision and procedures for missing children;
- Criminal convictions that prevent individuals from providing child care, and;
- Prohibited practices within licensed child care settings
How will these changes impact educators and child care staff?
Your executive director/supervisor/board of directors will be working on amending your centre's policies to reflect the changes. Staff will need to review and sign the updated policies, and, in some instances, additional training might be required. Policies that will be impacted include:
- Safeguarding children;
- Preventing unauthorized access;
- Supervision;
- Missing child procedure;
- Acting supervisor in emergency situations, and;
- Staff training
Effective July 1, 2026, staff, providers and children will be able to carry a broader range of medications ensuring quick access in an emergency, including medications for epilepsy and diabetes, as well as any other medication that a prescribing medical professional determines must be readily available to prevent a significant risk to the child’s health.
You may also notice new physical safety barriers being installed around your centre and additional safety measures added around septic systems, as well as any other necessary hazard mitigation.
Related resources:
- Download this summary of CCEYA changes in PDF
- Memo from Ministry of Education (June 23, 2026)
- Appendix - Summary of Changes (EN) This document is intended to help applicants and licensees understand what is changing, who is impacted and when the new requirements will take effect. The overview was written to provide general information and does not consider particular or local facts and circumstances. It is not intended as a substitute for the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA) and does not constitute legal or professional advice
If you have any questions about this issue, please connect with us via [email protected]