Nova Scotia has agencies, but in my opinion, they do it right! There is zero charge to the provider or parent, everything the agency does is government funded. I get monthly visits (they usually bring a craft or toys/equipment to borrow for the month, check my attendance book, menus and checklists, we chat about any issues or brainstorm answers for problems other providers are having). I get $500 per year towards education, monthly night out with other providers, and a yearly inspection. Parents love it-none of mine qualify for subsidy, but every single one commented on that in the interview that they liked knowing someone had checked it out already.

The government must spend a fortune on it, but in return, they have a lot more regulated homes in their system, because it's actually attractive to join an agency.