In New Brunswick, the law requires that children under the age of 12 must always be supervised. However, there will be times when you can’t be with your children, such as when you work, attend classes, or run errands. In these situations, you’ll need to find safe, supervised care for them. In addition, you may also need before- and after-school child care for younger children.
Early learning and child care facilities
There are many early learning and child care facilities across New Brunswick. They provide structured, supervised care for children during the day, including before- and after-school hours for younger children. Programs often include age-appropriate activities that support learning and development.
Families are responsible for finding and enrolling their children in a child care facility and paying the associated fees. Financial assistance may also be available. Visit the web page below for more information:
Babysitters
When you need to be away from your children while your usual child care centre is closed, babysitters can provide flexible, in-home support. They may help with meals or snacks, playtime or home work, or bedtime routines. While formal certifications are not required, many babysitters have first aid and CPR training for added safety.
You can find a babysitter through local agencies, community boards, or online platforms. It’s important to meet with potential babysitters, check their references, and discuss your children’s needs to ensure the best fit for your family.
Children are protected by the New Brunswick Family Services Act, which makes it illegal to leave a child younger than 12 years old at home alone. Furthermore, using excessive force to discipline a child is considered abusive and is against the law.
As a parent or guardian, you may consult the act to learn more about your children’s rights and freedoms under New Brunswick law.
Let us know your questions and we’ll get back to you with answers.