Surrey After-School Program Licence Guide

Education British Columbia 3 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of British Columbia

Surrey, British Columbia operators and organizers must follow provincial child-care licensing rules and local business and zoning requirements before offering after-school (out-of-school) programs. This guide explains who enforces licences, how to apply, common compliance issues, and practical steps for establishing licensed out-of-school care in Surrey. It covers provincial licensing triggers, what local municipal licences or zoning permissions may be required, typical application components, inspection and complaint routes, and what to expect during enforcement and appeals.

Overview of Licensing Requirements

After-school programs that provide care for children outside school hours commonly fall under provincial "out-of-school care" licensing. Operators should confirm whether the program meets the provincial licensing threshold and then check Surrey business licence and zoning rules for the location and type of service. The provincial Child Care Licensing Program provides the licensing application and standards.[1]

Confirm provincial licensing triggers before seeking a municipal business licence.

Penalties & Enforcement

The following summarizes enforcement pathways and penalties for operating after-school programs without meeting applicable provincial or municipal requirements.

  • Fines: specific monetary fines for non-compliance are not specified on the cited provincial page or local pages; see the provincial licensing page for enforcement details.[1]
  • Escalation: the cited pages do not list a detailed schedule of first, repeat, or continuing offence amounts; escalation procedures are described generally by licensing and local bylaw officers.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to cease operation, corrective direction, suspension of licence, and court actions may be used by provincial licensing officers or local bylaw enforcement (not all specifics listed on the cited page).[1]
  • Enforcer and complaints: the Child Care Licensing Program enforces provincial standards; local Licence and Bylaw Services and zoning officials enforce municipal business licence and land-use rules. For provincial licensing questions and complaints use the Child Care Licensing contacts on the provincial page.[1]
  • Appeals and reviews: appeal routes or review procedures are outlined by provincial licensing processes and municipal bylaw procedures; time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page and applicants should consult the enforcement notice provided with any order.[1]
If you receive an order, follow the compliance steps and ask about appeal time limits immediately.

Applications & Forms

The provincial Child Care Licensing Program publishes the application process and required documentation for licensing out-of-school care, including program plans, staff qualifications, and facility details. Fee schedules, exact form names and submission methods are set out on the provincial licensing pages; if a local City of Surrey business licence or zoning approval is required, consult the city for the municipal application and fees. Specific fee amounts and form numbers are not specified on the cited provincial page.[1]

How to Prepare Your Application

  • Collect program documentation: staffing ratios, staff criminal record checks, curriculum and daily schedule.
  • Prepare facility information: address, floor plans, sleep/rest and play areas, evacuation routes.
  • Budget for startup costs and any municipal business licence or zoning fees.
  • Plan for inspection: ensure compliance with health and safety, supervision, and documentation requirements.
Start provincial and municipal applications in parallel to avoid delays.

Common Violations

  • Operating without provincial licence when licensing is required.
  • Non-compliant staff-to-child ratios or missing required staff credentials.
  • Failure to obtain necessary municipal business licence or to meet zoning conditions.

FAQ

Do after-school programs always need a provincial licence?
Not always; it depends on program size, hours and services. Check the provincial Child Care Licensing Program to determine whether your program qualifies for licensing.[1]
Do I need a City of Surrey business licence?
Often yes: Surrey may require a municipal business licence and zoning approval for programs operating in the city; confirm with city Licence and Bylaw Services and planning staff.
Where do I send complaints about unsafe after-school care?
Report safety concerns to the Child Care Licensing Program and to Surrey bylaw enforcement or the city contact responsible for business licences and complaints.

How-To

  1. Determine whether your program meets provincial licensing criteria and review the licensing requirements.
  2. Prepare required documentation: staff credentials, program plan, facility layout and safety procedures.
  3. Submit the provincial application for child care licensing and any municipal business licence or zoning application required by Surrey.
  4. Schedule and complete any required inspections and respond to requests from licensing or bylaw officers.
  5. Pay any applicable fees and maintain records to demonstrate ongoing compliance.

Key Takeaways

  • After-school programs may be regulated provincially as out-of-school care and also require municipal compliance in Surrey.
  • Contact the provincial Child Care Licensing Program early and confirm municipal business licence and zoning needs with Surrey.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] British Columbia - Child Care Licensing

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