Childcare Information Portal
Finding Respite Care
MFRC Casual Childcare
Phone: 250-363-2640 (24h)
Toll free at 1-800-353-3329
Casual Childcare services are designed to support families while dealing with unique lifestyle issues (during long term separations due to military operational requirements, relocation etc.).
Make the time to de-stress yourself! Book up to 1 week I advance, maximum 2 times per week. Casual childcare is available for $3 per hour per child.
MFRC Deployment Respite Child Care
Phone: 250-363-2640 (24h)
Toll free at 1-800-353-3329
Free Deployment Respite Childcare (for children age 0 to school age) is available through the MFRC for one continuous 3 hour period per week up to a maximum of 4 sessions per month when a military parent is deployed (or away for work related reasons) for 28 consecutive days or more ( 21 days for MCDV members). Parents must complete registration forms and follow established Casual Childcare guidelines. This program is provided through MFRC fundraising dollars.
Private agencies
Yellow pages 411 http://www.yellowpages.com/
Can be located under the following key words nannies, home support services, and babysitters.
The average cost is between $18 to $30 per hour/per child for nanny care or home support; or $6-$10/hour/child for teen babysitters.
Young Parents Support Networks (30 years old and under)
Phone: (250) 384-0552
The respite care project is designed to give young parents a break from parenting so that they can attend to self-care and their own developmental needs.
Out of School Care Programs
Out of School Care programs are offered at some schools, recreational centres and the MFRC.
Recreational Centres www.fitinfitness.ca
Child Care Resource Referral www.ccrr.bc.ca
MFRC location www.esquimaltmfrc.com
Phone: 250-363-2640
Toll free: 1-800-353-3329
Respite care for children with special needs
MFRC Navigator Program: For Families with Special Needs and Responsibilities
Phone: 250-363-2640 (24h)
Toll free at 1-800-353-3329
If you or a member of your family has special needs and responsibilities, the MFRC can help you navigate your way to community resources during relocation, help you put a support plan in place for upcoming deployments, and give support and direction when you’re not sure who to call.
Queen Alexandra Centre for Children’s Health
The Queen Alexandra respite care program has a subsidized program that offers care for children meeting specific criteria (physical and developmental special needs) whereby they will offset 50% of the cost of the respite worker and the other 50% will be paid by the parent. Please note that there is a waiting list for this service.
Phone: 250-519-6710
Email crsf@viha.ca
The Cridge Centre
Phone: 250-384-8058
Offers a free information service about community resources to families in the Greater Victoria who are raising a child with special needs ( ie. respite caregivers, workshops, licensed child care options). The service maintains a database for respite childcare providers.
Respitality Victoria
Phone: (250) 995-6412
Parents raising a child with a disability may apply to participate. Luxury hotels in Victoria offer (based on availability) a complimentary overnight accommodation for the parents. This program may include enhancements based on availability.
Ministry of Children and Family Development
This service provides rest or relief for families with children who have special needs, in order to help families maintain and enhance their independence and quality of life. Respite options are developed with a focus on a child-centred experience. Ministry staff work with a child's family to develop an individual support plan. Services are then provided either through a direct funding option, contracts with community service providers or approved resources. Respite may be provided in the child's or respite provider's home, or in a staffed setting.
Community Options
Respite care offers these families a much needed break and allows their family member to continue to be part of our community. Respite is also about meaningful relationships that develop between the individual and respite caregiver. Often the respite caregiver becomes an integral part of the family.
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