How to enroll your child in kindergarten if you don't have a job yet?

Moving to Canada, especially to Calgary, often means you need to find a daycare for your kid quickly, even if one or both parents don't have a job yet. This is especially true for Ukrainian families who just arrived and want to settle in and give their kids a safe place to grow up. In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions on how to enroll your child in a daycare in Calgary without official employment, what documents are required, what to look for, and what support programs are available.

1. Can I enroll my child in daycare without a job?

Yes, in Calgary, you can enroll your child in daycare even if you do not yet have a job.
Kindergartens (both public and private) accept children regardless of their parents' employment status, citizenship, or whether they have a job. The main requirement is legal status in Canada and compliance with the kindergarten's requirements regarding the child's age and availability of places.

2. What types of kindergartens are available?

  • Licensed public daycares (daycare, preschool, out-of-school care) - operated by the Alberta government, accept children from 8 months to 6 years of age, and also provide extended day services for schoolchildren.
  • Private daycares - may have unique programs, flexible schedules, and a focus on languages or creativity.
  • Home-based daycare - small groups of up to 6 children in licensed private homes.

3. Step-by-step guide: how to enroll your child in daycare

Step 1. Choose a daycare

  • Use the official service Child Care Look-up Tool - enter your address to see all licensed preschools near you, their programs, age groups, availability, and inspection results.
  • Find out about admission requirements, cost, program features, hours, and meals.
  • Pay attention to Ukrainian-speaking or bilingual daycare centers if this is important to your family.

Step 2. Contact the daycare center

  • Contact the facility directly (by phone, email, or through the website).
  • Find out about availability, the possibility of enrollment without employment, and the list of required documents.
  • Sign up for a tour or online meeting to assess the conditions and meet the teachers.

Step 3. Prepare documents

Usually, the following are required for registration:

  • Completed kindergarten application form.
  • Child's birth certificate.
  • Medical card and vaccination certificate.
  • Information about health, allergies, special needs.
  • Proof of address (rental agreement, utility bill).
  • Payment of the registration fee (if applicable). A certificate from your place of work is NOT a prerequisite for enrolling your child in kindergarten. Many kindergartens accept children regardless of their parents' employment status.

4. Can I get a subsidy to pay for kindergarten if I am unemployed?

Child Care Subsidy

  • The Alberta government provides subsidies to partially cover the cost of licensed childcare for families with children under 12 years of age.
  • Parents do NOT need to be employed to receive the subsidy. The subsidy is also available to:
  • those who are actively looking for work,
  • enrolled in a course,
  • undergoing retraining,
  • or are newcomers/temporarily unemployed.

How to apply for a subsidy?

  1. Select a licensed kindergarten and apply for a place.
  2. Fill out an online subsidy application via the official website.
  3. Attach the following documents: proof of identity, proof of income (if applicable), proof of status (e.g., residence permit), proof of your child's registration at the kindergarten.
  4. If you are not working, indicate in the application that you are looking for work or are a new arrival. This is not a reason for denying the subsidy, but you may be asked to update your status information.
  5. The subsidy is calculated from the month following the application. Processing takes up to 2 weeks, and additional documents may sometimes be requested.

5. Additional assistance programs

  • Canada Child Benefit (CCB): A monthly federal payment for children under 18, which can be received even by those who are not yet working, provided they have legal status and are registered for tax purposes.
  • Additional municipal benefits: Alberta has programs to support families with children that may provide additional benefits (for example, $100 per month for 6 months for low-income families).
  • Charities and Ukrainian communities: Sometimes they help with finding places in daycare centers, collecting documents, and providing advice.

6. Important tips

  • Apply for a daycare spot and subsidy as early as possible: Many daycares have waiting lists, especially for popular programs.
  • Choose a licensed daycare: Only licensed daycares participate in government support programs.
  • Check your email: the kindergarten or subsidy service may request additional documents.
  • Do not leave children unattended: in Canada, children under 12 must be supervised by an adult, even if you are at home.
  • Use official resources: Child Care Look-up Tool, Child Care Connect (1-844-644-5165) — free advice on finding a daycare center.

Conclusion

In Calgary, you can enroll your child in a daycare center even if you don't have a job. It is important to have legal status, prepare a standard set of documents, and choose a licensed facility. Government subsidies are available not only for those who are working, but also for those who are looking for work or are just adapting. Don't delay in applying and take advantage of all available support programs for families with children.