Are there any assistance programs to help pay for daycare?

The cost of childcare in Calgary can be a significant financial burden for many families, especially for newcomers or families with multiple children. Fortunately, the provincial government of Alberta, which includes Calgary, as well as municipal authorities offer a variety of assistance programs that make preschool care more affordable. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the main types of assistance available, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and practical tips for parents.

1. Fixed preschool fees in Alberta

In January 2025, the Alberta provincial government introduced major changes to the childcare fee system, which significantly reduce the financial burden on families.

  • Starting April 1, 2025, parents of children under 6 who attend licensed daycare and family day programs will pay a fixed amount of $326.25 per month or $15 per day for full-day care.
  • For part-time care, the fee will be approximately $230 per month.
  • This fixed fee replaces the previous system, where costs could vary significantly depending on the facility, neighborhood, and age of the child.
  • The Alberta government will cover about 80% of the actual cost of childcare through grants to preschools and family daycare centers.
  • This system will help families save an average of about $11,000 per child per year. This means that licensed childcare will become more predictable and affordable for most families.

2. Child Care Subsidy

In addition to fixed fees, there is a Child Care Subsidy program that provides financial assistance to low- and middle-income families to pay for licensed child care.

Basic conditions:

  • The subsidy is calculated based on family income, the age of the child, and the number of hours spent in daycare.
  • The program is available for children aged 6 months to 12 years (including extended day groups).
  • Support is available to families legally residing in the province of Alberta (including newcomers under the CUAET program).

How to apply

  • Applications can be submitted online through the official Alberta government portal: Child Care Subsidy Application.
  • To apply, you will need documents confirming your income, your child's registration at the daycare center, and proof of identity.
  • After the application is reviewed, families will receive notification of the subsidy amount, which will be automatically applied to the daycare payment.

3. Canada Child Benefit (CCB) – federal assistance for children

  • This is a monthly tax-free payment to families with children under the age of 18 to help cover the general costs of raising a child.
  • The maximum amount for children under 6 years of age in 2024-2025 is approximately CAD 648 per month per child.
  • Although the CCB is not intended to pay for daycare directly, it provides significant support to the family budget.
  • The amount of the payments depends on the family's income and the number of children.

4. Additional support programs

Best Beginning

  • A program for pregnant women and low-income young families.
  • Provides counseling, support, food vouchers, transportation, and childcare assistance during school hours.

Municipal programs

  • Calgary has programs that help low-income families get discounts on municipal services, including children's programs.
  • Programs may include assistance with summer camps, clubs, and additional educational services.

5. Practical tips for parents

  • Choose licensed childcare centers, as only they participate in government support programs.
  • Use the official Child Care Lookup Tool to find a childcare center and check availability.
  • Apply for subsidies as early as possible to receive financial support from the first day of attendance.
  • Use the online subsidy calculator to estimate the amount of assistance you may be eligible for: Subsidy Estimator.
  • Keep all documents, contracts, and receipts to prove your eligibility for subsidies.
  • Stay up to date on government program updates, especially during times of legislative change.

Conclusion

Calgary has effective family assistance programs to help pay for childcare, making preschool more affordable and predictable. Fixed preschool fees, state subsidies, federal child benefits, and municipal support programs can significantly reduce family expenses. It is important to apply on time, choose licensed facilities, and take advantage of all available resources.