How to make money as a childminder in Canada - practical steps

Working as a childminder in Canada can be a part-time way to earn money alongside a job or a path to full-time self-employment. This guide covers where paying clients typically come from, how to set and discuss your first price, what the first customers often look like, what to sort out with payments and authorities, common early problems, and how a Websta profile can help you present services and accept card payments.

Updated October 21, 2026

Where paying customers come from

Expect paying customers to show up through a mix of personal networks and local visibility. Neighbours and people on your street or building often provide the earliest bookings because they already trust you or can meet you quickly. Word of mouth from parents you know - family friends, coworkers with kids, or families at local activities - is another common source.

Other sources are local workplaces, schools and daycares that need occasional backup care, and online search or classified sites. Parents look for nearby, available care in evenings, weekends and during school breaks, so physical proximity and quick responsiveness matter. Community centres, religious groups and parent Facebook groups are also places where parents post or ask for recommendations.

  • Neighbours and local community
  • Word of mouth from friends and parents
  • Workplaces and schools needing backup care
  • Online search and local groups

How to set a first price and talk about money

Setting a first price is a combination of checking local going rates and being honest about what you offer. Ask around in local parent groups and look at listings for similar services in your area to get a sense of the range. Decide if you will charge hourly, per day, or per child for group bookings, and whether you will require a minimum booking length.

When you talk about money, be clear and upfront. State your rate, what it includes and what extra fees might apply - for example travel, extra children or last-minute hours. Put your prices on any profile or flyer you give parents so there is no confusion. If you take deposits or require payment before a session, state your cancellation and refund policy in writing.

  • Decide hourly, daily or per-child pricing
  • Check local listings and parent groups to compare
  • State what is included and any extra fees
  • Put cancellation and deposit rules in writing

The first ten customers you usually meet

The first customers are often people you already know or who are nearby. Expect a mix of family friends, neighbours, a coworker or two, and one or two people who found you online and want a short trial. They may book single sessions, evenings or school-day hours, rather than regular full weeks.

Treat these first customers as opportunities to build references. Ask permission to collect a short testimonial and to be referred. Keep notes on each child - allergies, routines, emergency contacts - and use those notes to improve service and reliability.

  • Family friends and neighbours
  • Coworkers and local parents
  • One-off or trial bookings from online leads
  • Bookings that help build references

What to sort out when taking money as an independent person in Canada

There are financial and regulatory details to check with authorities. For taxes and reporting, contact the Canada Revenue Agency and ask how to report self-employment income, whether you need a business number, and if you must collect GST/HST for your services. For licensing and child care regulations, contact your provincial or territorial licensing authority and ask whether you need to register or be licensed for the number of children you will care for.

Also check insurance and liability. Ask an insurance broker about a business or home-based child care policy and whether your homeowner policy covers paid childcare. Finally, if you plan to accept card payments or run online bookings, check banking and payment provider requirements for business accounts and payouts.

  • Contact Canada Revenue Agency - ask about reporting self-employment income, business number, and GST/HST requirements
  • Contact your provincial or territorial childcare licensing authority - ask about registration or licensing for your situation
  • Ask an insurance broker about liability and home-based business coverage
  • Check bank and payment provider rules for business accounts and payouts

What tends to go wrong in the first months

Early issues often come from unclear expectations. Misunderstandings about hours, late pickups, emergency procedures and payments are common. Avoid these by having a simple written agreement that covers hours, fees, contact and medical info, cancellations and emergency procedures.

Other common problems are planning and time management - balancing your existing job and family life with bookings can be harder than expected - and underestimating costs like supplies, cleaning and insurance. Late payments and no-shows also occur; a clear deposit or cancellation policy mitigates this.

  • Unclear hours or responsibilities
  • Underestimating additional costs
  • Late payments and no-shows
  • Difficulty balancing bookings with other work

How a Websta profile fits into your childminding work

A Websta profile gives you a single page you can send to interested parents and that parents can find when searching nearby. It can list your services, prices, photos and availability and includes online booking and a contact form. Card payments are paid out to your own bank account through Stripe, and you set your prices.

On Websta the category is childminders and the marketplace path is /marketplace/childcare for Canada - countryCode CA. Use the page as a professional reference that supports whatever local outreach you already do, and keep it updated with current availability and policies so parents see accurate information.

  • A single page to share with parents
  • List services, prices, photos, availability and booking
  • Card payments paid out to your bank account through Stripe
  • Category childminders and path /marketplace/childcare (countryCode CA)

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a license to work as a childminder in Canada?
Licensing depends on your province or territory and on how many children you care for and whether you work from home. Contact your provincial or territorial childcare licensing authority and ask whether your planned setup requires registration or a license.
How should I accept payments from parents?
Clear options are cash, e-transfer, or card payments via a payment provider. If you use a platform like Websta, card payments are paid out to your bank account through Stripe. Check with your bank and make sure you track all income for tax reporting.
How do I set availability if I also have a day job?
Be realistic and list fixed hours you can reliably offer. Start with limited slots and expand only if bookings and personal capacity allow. Communicate availability clearly on any profile and in direct messages to parents.
How can I protect myself from late payments and no-shows?
Use a deposit or prepayment policy, a written booking confirmation, and a cancellation policy. Make these policies visible before parents book and repeat them in messages so expectations are clear.
Can I run a profile for free on Websta?
Check Websta for current account and listing options. On the platform you can create a profile page with services, prices, photos, a contact form and online booking, and payments are handled through Stripe to your bank account.

About the numbers

Counts in this guide were read from the Websta catalogue when the text was written and are refreshed above from the live catalogue. Part of the catalogue was built from the public business register and is marked as such on each profile.

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