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Some of the best neighbourhoods in Calgary for newcomers looking to rent include Beltline, Mission, Signal Hill, Hillhurst, West Springs, Bridgeland, Inglewood, Lake Bonavista, Brentwood, and Altadore. These areas offer a mix of affordability, access to transit, family-friendly amenities, and walkability, making them ideal for students and families settling in Calgary.
Thinking of moving to Calgary? Whether you’re arriving as a skilled worker, international student, or newcomer family, choosing the right Calgary neighbourhood is key to settling in successfully. This guide breaks down the best Calgary neighbourhoods for newcomers, including rental and family-friendly options, so you can find the right fit based on lifestyle, housing type, and affordability.
The Beltline is one of Calgary’s most vibrant inner-city communities, offering everything from high-rise condos to boutique shops, trendy cafes, and a buzzing nightlife scene.
With proximity to the downtown core and major employment hubs, Beltline remains one of the best Calgary neighbourhoods for renting a modern condo or apartment downtown. It’s a favourite among professionals, students, and newcomers who want walkability and transit access. The lively area around 17th Avenue is known for its restaurants and nightlife.
Mission is a charming inner-city neighbourhood with character homes, low-rise condos, and quick access to the Elbow River pathways. It’s ideal for those who value a walkable lifestyle close to downtown, while enjoying a quieter, more residential atmosphere. The community has a rich history, a strong sense of identity, and affordability that attracts first-time buyers and renters.
As a newcomer, it’s vital to:
Good for: First-time buyers, singles, professionals
Access: Excellent (close to downtown, CTrain, river pathways)
Vibe: Urban-meets-residential, historic, scenic, river-adjacent
Rental range: $1,600–$1,850/month (1-bed)
Searching for your first home in Canada? Join this exclusive session for key insights on housing market conditions, affordable options, and renting without credit history. Tailored for newcomers settling in the next six months, register now for valuable tips and a free guide!
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARLocated in Calgary’s southwest, Signal Hill is one of the best Calgary neighbourhoods for renting a family home, with easy access to schools, shopping, and the Light Rapid Transit (LRT). With easy access to the West LRT line and stunning mountain views to the west, it’s a top choice for families and professionals seeking a peaceful, family-oriented environment.
Good for: Families, homeowners, suburban newcomers
Access: Good (West LRT nearby, car-friendly)
Vibe: Quiet, suburban, family-oriented with shopping plazas
Rental range: $1,500–$1,750/month (1-bed); higher for detached homes
Nestled near Kensington and the Bow River, Hillhurst combines the charm of heritage homes with modern infill developments.
It’s an inner-city gem with high walkability, access to shops, restaurants, and downtown, as well as top schools. Young professionals and families alike enjoy the mix of convenience and character that defines this neighbourhood.
Good for: Families, professionals, infill buyers
Access: Good (Calgary Transit CTrain access, walkable to downtown)
Vibe: Heritage charm meets modern living, community-focused
Rental range: $1,600–$1,800/month (1-bed)
West Springs offers a polished suburban lifestyle with modern homes, boutique shopping, and great schools. Though it’s farther from the downtown core, many residents enjoy the peaceful surroundings and amenities that make it feel like a small town within the city. It’s ideal for families or professionals who prefer quieter, more upscale environments.
Good for: Affluent families, commuters, lifestyle seekers
Access: Fair (bus access, car-dependent)
Vibe: Upscale suburban, boutique living, newer developments
Rental range: $1,800–$2,000/month (1-bed); higher for family homes
Bridgeland is a revitalized inner-city neighbourhood just northeast of downtown. Known for its parks, walkable streets, and eclectic dining scene, it’s popular with professionals and newcomers who love a mix of nature and convenience. The neighbourhood offers some of the best views of Calgary’s skyline and easy access to the Bow River pathways
Good for: Urban professionals, nature lovers, foodies
Access: Good (CTrain station, river pathways)
Vibe: Trendy, walkable, scenic with skyline views
Rental range: $2,000–$2,300/month (1-bed)
Inglewood is Calgary’s oldest neighbourhood, located just east of downtown. Its rich history blends with a modern, creative vibe, attracting artists, small business owners, and newcomers who love community spirit. You’ll find heritage homes, music venues, vintage stores, and riverside trails in a walkable and distinctive setting.
Good for: Artists, creatives, history lovers
Access: Moderate (bus, bike paths, walkable to downtown)
Vibe: Eclectic, artsy, historic with indie shops
Rental range: $1,600–$1,750/month (1-bed furnished)
Lake Bonavista, in southeast Calgary, was the first neighbourhood in Canada built with its own lake, created just for the community. Residents enjoy access to private beaches, parks, and a strong sense of community. This quiet, mature suburb is perfect for families seeking space, nature, and excellent schools, all while being close to major roadways.
Located near the University of Calgary, Brentwood is a well-connected, family-friendly area with plenty of green space and schools. With excellent access to the CTrain, it’s ideal for international students, faculty, and newcomers who want a peaceful lifestyle without sacrificing transit access. The housing mix includes detached homes and mid-rise apartments.
Altadore is a trendy southwest neighbourhood near the vibrant Marda Loop shopping district. Known for its modern infill homes, green spaces, and proximity to the Elbow River and Glenmore Reservoir, it’s popular among young families and professionals who want a walkable, lifestyle-focused community with great outdoor access.
Good for: Professionals, infill homebuyers, active families
Access: Good (bus routes, near major roads)
Vibe: Trendy, modern, walkable with outdoor access (Marda Loop, river)
Rental range: $1,800–$2,000/month (1-bed)
| AREA | AVG. 1-BED RENT (June 2025) |
|---|---|
| Beltline | $1,950 |
| Mission | $1,742 |
| Signal Hill | $1,537 |
| Hillhurst | $1,677 |
| West Springs | $1,927 |
| Bridgeland | $2,190 |
| Inglewood | $1,665 |
| Lake Bonavista | $2,026 |
| Brentwood | $2,092 |
| Altadore | $1,927 |
Altadore, Signal Hill, and Brentwood are safe, family-friendly communities with strong community associations and low crime rates. Always check the Calgary Police crime map for up-to-date safety information before choosing a place to live.
As of June 2025, average monthly rent prices in Calgary are approximately $1,650–$2,000 for a 1-bedroom and $2,000–$2,500 for a 2-bedroom.
For students attending the University of Calgary, Brentwood, is ideal due to its proximity to campus and transit access.
If you’re moving to Calgary or simply searching for the best places to live in Calgary, this guide can help you decide where to live based on your lifestyle, budget, and priorities. From the vibrant energy of Beltline to the family-friendly calm of Signal Hill, these Calgary neighbourhoods offer something for everyone. Whether you’re a newcomer, international student, young professional, or growing family, discover the best neighbourhoods in Calgary for renting and settling in with confidence.
The decision to move to Canada can be life-changing. But the country is a big place and there are a lot of potential cities you could choose to call home. The city you select will play a big part in your financial success and how your life will unfold in the future. Calgary, Alberta is one of the many major cities in Canada to consider.
Is Calgary the right city for you? Maybe or maybe not. Researching each potential landing spot for you is essential. You need to be aware of the local job market, and housing options, and decide if it makes sense for your family.
Prepare for Canada can guide you with helpful information about living in Calgary.
Calgary is a diverse and prosperous city in the province of Alberta. It sits in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, where the Bow and Elbow rivers meet. Calgary enjoys more days of sunshine than any other major Canadian city and is less than an hour’s drive from the majestic Rockies. It offers fresh air, open spaces, parks, pathways, and mountains and rivers.
The city’s roots date back to 1875. It officially became a town in 1884. Today it is the largest city in Alberta and the third-largest in Canada. Calgary is also the third-most ethnically diverse city in all of Canada. It has residents from over 200 ethnic backgrounds. It has one of the highest visible minority rates in Canada, behind only Toronto and Vancouver. Most Calgary residents are of European origin. Many immigrants are attracted to Calgary’s low tax rate, strong oil and gas industry, agriculture industry, and the lifestyle it offers.
Calgary is a large city. The Calgary Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) population is about 1,581,000 as of 2021. The CMA includes the City of Calgary and its suburban areas. There are over 400,000 immigrants who call the city home.
It has one of the fastest growth rates in Canada. The city experienced a population growth of 5.5% from 2016 to 2021 and it continues to rapidly grow.
The city is recognized as the capital of the Canadian oil and gas industry. It is home to many of Canada’s oil and gas producers and is the decision-making hub and head office location of every energy company doing business in this country.
Calgary is becoming a global energy centre, with companies and organizations working in alternative energies, green power, and environmental technologies. Many financial businesses have grown up around these energy companies. Small business and self-employment levels also rank among the highest in Canada.
Calgary is focused on the digital transformation of its industries. Businesses across all industries are investing in this transformation.
The main sectors include:
Calgary is known for its large oil and gas employers such as BP Canada and Imperial Oil.
The other top employers in the region include:
Search for jobs through local recruiters such as BOWEN Group, About Staffing, Randstad Canada, Manpower, and TAG Recruitment Group Inc.
Securing a job and creating a career plan is vital for new immigrants. But, you also need to find somewhere to live in Calgary. There are plenty of housing options in Calgary. Renting a place is your first housing priority, especially if you are not yet ready to buy your first home in Canada.
Home purchase costs are less than in cities like Vancouver or Toronto. But Calgary is still expensive. Rental prices are declining, but are higher than in smaller or mid-sized Canadian cities.
Where you choose to live within the city can have a large financial difference. Neighbourhoods such as Bayview, Parkdale, Roxboro, and Elbow Park are expensive. The more affordable areas include Deer Ridge, Renfrew, Evanston, Rocky Ridge, and Coach Hill.
Rental prices and availability can vary widely depending on the neighbourhood. Read more about the best Calgary neighbourhoods for newcomers.
To understand current rent levels, vacancy rates, and what families can expect, see our Rental Market in Canada in 2026: Rent Prices, Vacancy Rates & Newcomer Outlook.
Buying a home in Calgary remains more affordable than in Ontario or British Columbia, though it’s pricier than in many smaller Canadian cities. Condos can be a more affordable choice for first-time homebuyers.
For up-to-date home price information in Calgary, the WOWA Calgary Housing Market Report.
Calgary is located along the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 2. It is a hub that is part of the CANAMEX corridor. There is a lot of commercial traffic in the area. The city uses a numbered street system on a grid; streets run north-south, while avenues run east-west. The street numbers radiate outwards from the city centre.
Calgary Transit offers public transit services across the city with buses, shuttle buses, and light rail (C-Train). The light rail network is the backbone of the system. The convenient system can serve all of your transit needs, is cost-effective, and helps keep the city green. Read more about Calgary public transit tips for newcomers.
Calgary International Airport (YYC), in the city’s northeast, is a transportation hub for much of central and western Canada. The city’s presence on the Trans-Canada Highway and the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) mainlines also makes it an important hub for freight.
Calgary is one of the most diverse cities in Canada. It welcomes newcomers from different countries around the world. Newcomers can access many services and programs to help adapt to the region. You can get support for moving, finding housing, job searching, language skills, and more.
Immigrant Services Calgary is a top resource for immigrants coming to the city.
Other top organizations to use include the Centre for Newcomers, the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society, the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Society, and The Immigrant Educational Society. Click here for a full list of support services.
Immigrant Services Calgary offers a variety of free language support services for immigrants. You can also get language support from other organizations. They include YWCA Calgary, CIWA, and Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) through The Immigration Education Society.
All local banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions in Calgary have programs to help newcomers. You can open a bank account, get a credit card, or a line of credit, and apply for a mortgage. Visit a local bank branch to start the process.
Calgary offers a wealth of school options: public, Catholic, francophone, bilingual, language immersion, private, charter, religious, sports, arts, music, and science-focused.
The city also offers childcare and preschool options. To find Calgary daycares, pre-schools, family day homes, out-of-school care, or group family child care, the government has a great child care search tool.
Calgary offers many English as a second language (ESL) schools in the city. Most immigrant-serving centres and organizations also provide ESL classes, while there are programs for younger students within the public and Catholic school systems.
There are more than 100,000 children enrolled in 247 schools, including 27 senior high schools, run by the Calgary Board of Education.
Close to 59,000 students in 11 schools are enrolled through the Calgary Catholic School Board. This included 14 high schools and elementary and junior high schools.
Calgary offers a variety of post-secondary education options. The University of Calgary is the largest school in the city. Other schools include Mount Royal University, SAIT, and Athabasca University (online). Other colleges have campuses in the city.
Read more about education in Canada:
Schooling in Canada | A Look at the Education System
Higher Education Offers Benefits to Newcomers
Calgary has four major adult acute care hospitals and one major pediatric acute care site: Alberta Children’s Hospital, Foothills Medical Centre, Peter Lougheed Centre, Rockyview General Hospital, and South Health Campus. It is also home to the leading Tom Baker Cancer Centre.
In addition to these centres, you will find other care centres and hundreds of smaller medical and dental clinics in the city. Residents can buy private health insurance for prescription drugs and services not covered through Alberta Health Service.
In case of an emergency call 9-1-1. This emergency number is the same across Canada.
One of the first steps take after arriving in Calgary is finding a family doctor. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta provides an online search tool to find a doctor in Calgary.
If you are unable to find a family doctor, you can go to one of many general non-emergency walk-in clinics in the city. Get more information about health care in Canada: Steps to Access Free Health Care in Canada
Calgary is a unique city. It’s modern but still has roots in cowboy culture. The city is best known for the Calgary Stampede, an annual event occurring each July since 1912. It is one of Canada’s largest festivals, with over 1 million people visiting it each year.
Due to its proximity to the Rocky Mountains, the city has traditionally been a popular destination for winter sports. After hosting the 1988 Winter Olympics, Calgary is home to several major winter sporting facilities such as Canada Olympic Park and the Olympic Oval.
Calgary is the site of the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium performing arts, culture, and community facility, which is the resident home of the Alberta Ballet Company, the Calgary Opera, and many other cultural ceremonies. The city is also home to several theatre companies.
Calgary hosts annual festivals and events, such as the Calgary International Film Festival, the Calgary Folk Music Festival, Wordfest: Banff Calgary International Writers Festival, Expo Latino, Calgary Pride, and other cultural and ethnic festivals.
The city has many multicultural areas where you can find ethnic restaurants and stores. Downtown Calgary is the prime destination for restaurants and nightlife.
The city has many urban parks including Fish Creek Provincial Park; Bowness Park, Edworthy Park, the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, Confederation Park, Prince’s Island Park, and Nose Hill Park, the largest municipal park in Canada.
Calgary is an Olympic city. It is home to the Calgary Flames hockey team and the Calgary Stampeders football team. The city regularly hosts international winter sporting events at its Olympic facilities. The city is also a regular stop for international musicians and events.
Calgary is one of the most diverse cities in Canada. More than 400,000 immigrants live in the city (2016 Census) and this number continues to climb. More than 20,000 new immigrants move to this city each year.
Immigrants account for one-third of the workforce in the city. More than 40% of newcomers work in manufacturing. Immigrants account for 42% of all workers in tourism, accommodation, and food services.
60% of Calgary’s population has European heritage. Other well-represented minorities include South Asian (9.5%), Chinese (6.8%), Filipinos (5.5%), Caribbean (5.4%), and Middle Eastern (3.5%) About 4% of the population in the city have Aboriginal heritage.
In keeping with the multicultural makeup of Calgary, the city is home to many faith communities. To find places of worship, click here.
Close to the Rocky Mountains, Calgary experiences a dry, humid continental climate, with long, cold, dry, but variable winters, and short, moderately warm summers.
The city is among the sunniest in Canada with an average of 332.9 days of sunshine. Even on cold, snowy days, you can feel the warmth of the sun. The average temperature ranges from a January daily average of −8.9 °C to a July daily average of 16.2 °C.
The chinook is a distinctive characteristic of the Calgary winters which can be uncomfortably cold sometimes. The Chinook is a warm, moist wind from the Pacific Ocean that may raise the temperature by as much as 15 degrees in a few hours.
Calgary is one of the top cities to live in Canada. It is consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world. It has a diverse population and economy. Housing prices are considerably more affordable than in other major cities in Canada and around the world, and you have access to quality academic institutions. It is an Olympic city with close access to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.
It depends on many unique factors. Calgary could be a better choice for you, or it may not. Your career aspirations, job opportunities, financial situation, and other things must be considered. Take time to compare what Edmonton has to offer before you make a final decision.
There are advantages to choosing to move to Calgary. The most notable are affordable housing, low sales tax, and job opportunities and it is an outdoor lover’s paradise. The most commonly cited drawback of moving to Calgary is the weather. It gets extremely cold during the winter and the region is known for extreme weather events such as forest fires and flooding.
If you’re moving to Canada and plan to drive, it’s important to know what you need to drive legally. If you already have a licence in your home country, you can check if you can exchange that license for a Canadian driving licence. Or, you may need to take a driving test in Canada. Each province in Canada has slightly different rules. Discover the simple process to get your driving licence in Alberta, Canada.
Canada has a reciprocal license exchange agreement with many countries. If you have a valid driver’s licence, you can exchange your license for an Alberta license without taking a knowledge or road test. Canada has a reciprocal license exchange agreement with the following countries:
Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Isle of Man, Japan, Republic of Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States.
To exchange your licence for an Alberta licence, you must:
Arriving with an action plan for your first weeks in Canada can save you time and money. The quicker you settle into your new environment the faster you’ll feel at home! In this webinar, Your First Weeks in Canada, we discuss the important things to do to manage your first weeks efficiently.
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARRelated Posts:
To exchange a licence from a country that doesn’t have an agreement, you’ll need to pass a knowledge and road test.
Step 1. Exchange your driver’s licence
Visit a registry agent and hand in your valid driver’s licence that is equivalent or higher to an Alberta Class 5 licence. The registry agent will check to see if you can apply for the Graduated Driver’s Licence (GDL) exemption program and will give you an application to complete.
Step 2. Pass a Class 7 knowledge test
Visit a registry agent and take a knowledge test.
Your licence, application for GDL exemption, and support documents will be sent to the Alberta Government for review.
Step 3. Get a full Class 5 licence
There are two ways you can get a full Class 5 licence:
When you have more than two years of driving experience, you’ll need to pass an advanced road test to get a full Class 5 driver’s licence.
Calgary is an eco-friendly city and its public transport system is no exception. One of the greenest and most convenient ways of getting around the city is Calgary’s public transport system. For newcomers, it’s helpful to get familiar with the public transport system so you can use it to get around and reduce your expenses. This guide provides an overview of how public transport works in Calgary and how you can use it.
Calgary has a simple, yet thorough public transport system that is owned and operated by the city of Calgary and managed by Calgary Transit. Its public transport is made up of mostly buses and a Light Rail Transit (LRT) system called the CTrain. Together, this simple and convenient transport system will serve all of your transportation needs in Calgary. Calgary’s public transport system is managed by
Calgary’s CTrain is one of the fastest ways to get around the city, reaching speeds of up to 80 km/h. The CTrain is an LRT, a modern type of rail transit that runs on electricity. There are two CTrain lines in Calgary, called the Red Line and the Blue Line. Because of its speed and reliability, the CTrain is usually the better option over buses.
The Red Line is the first and largest CTrain line in Calgary. It runs from the northwest quadrant of Calgary, through downtown and ends at the south side of Calgary. The Blue Line is the second of the two lines. It runs from the northeastern quadrant of the city, through downtown, and ends at the western side of Calgary.
Together, these two lines provide the backbone for Calgary’s public transport system. The CTrain is a fast and reliable way to get around the city, with trains running every 15-30 minutes. The CTrain operates from around 4:30 AM to 1:00 AM. Generally, trains run longer on the south side of Calgary, as the south side is usually busier. Click here to access the full map of CTrain routes and stations, as well as maps for every individual CTrain station.
There is currently a third CTrain line under construction, called the Green Line. Once it is finished, the Green Line will run from the north side of Calgary to the southeastern quadrant. The Green Line will have 29 stations that are spread out over 46 kilometres of track, making it the biggest of the three lines. The first stage of construction, which consists of only the first 15 stations is expected to be completed in 2027. To learn more about the Green Line LRT project, click here.
One of the downsides of the CTrain system in Calgary is that it is not very extensive. Even with the completion of the Green Line, the CTrain will still not serve all your transportation needs by itself. So to get to places where the CTrain doesn’t go, you will need to use the bus.
Calgary’s bus system runs on a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. Buses are a more extensive mode of public transport compared to the CTrain. And wherever the CTrain doesn’t go, buses will. With over 169 bus routes and 6000 bus stops, you can go almost anywhere in Calgary by using the bus. The bus schedule depends on the specific bus route. Generally, buses run every 20 minutes.
Buses are an ideal form of transportation if you need to travel to a place where the CTrain doesn’t go in Calgary. If you are travelling from one side of Calgary to another, a combination of both bus and CTrain routes is usually the fastest way to get to your destination.
Calgary Transit has a helpful tool that will tell you all the timings for each bus route. This tool will also give you directions on what bus to take if you put in your starting location and destination. If you are planning to use Calgary’s bus system in the future, make sure to check it out by clicking here.
Searching for your first home in Canada? Join this exclusive session for key insights on housing market conditions, affordable options, and renting without credit history. Tailored for newcomers settling in the next six months, register now for valuable tips and a free guide!
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARCalgary has a simple and easy-to-understand fare system for its public transport. The fare prices make public transport a much cheaper alternative to owning a car. Let’s take a look at the fare system for Calgary’s public transport below:
Adult Fare (18+) – $3.50
Youth Fare (6-17) – $2.40
Children aged five or under can ride free on Calgary Transit.
These are the basic fare prices you must pay every time you ride on the CTrain and the bus. Once you have paid for your fare, your ticket will be valid for 90 minutes. This allows you to transfer buses and trains for free, as long as the transfer happens within 90 minutes of purchasing your ticket.
Make sure you have a full plan of what buses and trains you need to take to your destination. If you transfer from the CTrain to a bus or vice-versa, you will need to ask for a transfer from your bus driver or hold on to your CTrain ticket.
The most common way to pay for your fare is by cash. Another convenient way to pay your fare is by using the My Fare app. My Fare is a mobile app that you can use to buy tickets for your upcoming ride. The process is fast and reliable and it saves you from carrying change to pay your fare. You can also buy monthly or day passes from the My Fare app. Here is a guide by Calgary Transit to help you get set up with the My Fare app.
You can also buy tickets and passes from Calgary Transit’s online store. The online store also sells ticket books. You can buy a book of 25 tickets or 10 tickets for both adults and youth. Click here to access Calgary Transit’s online store.
Calgary Transit also has day and monthly passes. A monthly pass is valid until the end of the calendar month and a day pass is valid until the end of service that day. Here are the prices for monthly and daily passes for Calgary’s public transport:
Adult (18+) Day Pass – $11
Youth (6-17) Day Pass – $8
Adult (18+) Monthly Pass – $109
Youth (6-17) Monthly Pass – $79
If you plan to use Calgary’s public transport daily, it’s a good idea to get a monthly pass. Paying for a ticket each time you ride can start to add up if you ride often and monthly passes are a good way to reduce costs. Daily passes are good for visitors or anyone who is planning on using Calgary’s public transport more than three times that day.
Calgary has some of the best urban parks and pathways in Canada. Along with good bike infrastructure, this makes Calgary a bike-friendly city. If you prefer to bike rather than use public transport, Calgary is a great place for cyclists.
Calgary has an amazing public transport system that thousands of Calgarians take advantage of each day. Not only is using Calgary’s public transport cost-effective, but it also helps the environment. The LRT combined with Calgary’s thorough bus system is a quick and reliable way to get around the city. Together, these two modes of transportation will help you find your way around Calgary while making Calgary a truly green city.
Choosing quality child care for your family is an important decision. You want to find a safe, healthy environment that supports the social, physical, intellectual, creative, and emotional development of your children.
There are many types of child care available:
Daycare programs serve infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children.
Family day homes offer care in a private residence. There are typically six or fewer children, including the caregiver’s children, with one caregiver.
Group family child care programs offer care in a private residence. There are typically between seven and 10 children with two caregivers.
Out-of-school-care programs operate before and after school, during lunch hours, and sometimes when school is closed.
Pre-school program that offers child care for four or fewer hours per day for pre-school aged children.
Arriving with an action plan for your first weeks in Canada can save you time and money. The quicker you settle into your new environment the faster you’ll feel at home! In this webinar, Your First Weeks in Canada, we discuss the important things to do to manage your first weeks efficiently.
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARFinding the best arrangement for your family takes time and planning, but it is worth the effort. You know your child best. Think about where they will be most comfortable. List your needs. For example, if your child needs quiet time, a large, busy centre may not be the best choice.
Here are things to consider to help you make a child-care decision:
Your child’s age
The types of activities your child enjoys
The number and ages of children your child enjoys being with
Any food allergies or food preferences to accommodate.
Also, each program will have different child care approaches and services such as snacks or meals. Other things to consider are your work hours, location, and cost. Do you require assistance with your childcare fees for your preschool children?
Locate a child care facility or family day home agency
The next step is to find a child care program. A good way to find a program is to ask friends and neighbours for references. You can also contact your local child and family services office for a list of child care programs or use our online tool to find a program.
Visit a child care program
You must visit each program that you are considering. This allows you to ask questions and observe the care they offer. During your visit, consider these questions:
Are the facility and equipment clean and in good condition?
Is space arranged for children to freely choose activities?
Are toys and equipment in reach of all children?
Do toys and equipment suit the ages and sizes of all children?
Are there enough toys for the number of children?
Is there a program listing daily activities?
Can children choose from a variety of activities?
Do activities suit the ages of the children?
Do children appear relaxed and involved in activities?
Is there room for outdoor play?
Nutrition
Does food for all children meet the standards in Canada’s Food Guide or Alberta’s Nutritional Food Guidelines?
Do caregivers sit with children during meals?
Health and Safety
Do staff and children wash their hands before and after diapering or toileting?
Are medications stored in a locked container, out of reach of children?
Is all indoor and outdoor equipment clean and safe?
Do staff have training in child care first aid?
Child care staff and providers
How many staff per child are present?
What is the training of staff?
Are staff engaged and involved with children?
Do staff calmly reassure children who are upset?