What children's health programs are available in Alberta?
Alberta offers a comprehensive system of support for children's health, including free health insurance through AHCIP, financial assistance for low-income families through the Alberta Child Health Benefit, specialized programs for children with disabilities (FSCD), community health centers with free vaccinations and screenings, mental health programs, school health services, and support for children with autism.
1. Provincial health programs
Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)
Free health insurance
- Covers doctor visits, hospitalization, and diagnostics for children ages 0–18
- Automatically applies to newborn Canadian citizens
Alberta Child Health Benefit (ACHB)
Additional coverage for low-income families
| Service | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Dental care | Cleaning, fillings, X-rays, tooth extraction |
| Prescription drugs | Essential prescription drugs |
| Eyeglasses | Vision correction |
| Diabetes supplies | Essential diabetes supplies |
| Emergency ambulance services | Coverage for emergency visits |
Eligibility: Children under 18 (under 20 if in school), family income under $24,397/year Contact: 780-427-6848 or 1-877-469-5437
2. Financial support for families
Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB)
Tax-free payment to families with children under 18
- Basic component: $1,499/year ($124.91/month) for the first child
- Earnings component: $767/year ($63.91/month) for the first child
- Additional payments for 2–4 children
Eligibility: Alberta residents with children under 18, family income under $46,191
Child Disability Benefit (CDB)
Up to $3,411/year ($284.25/month) per child with a disability
3. Programs for children with disabilities
Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD)
Comprehensive support for families
- Information and coordination of government and community resources
- Support with equipment, clothing, transportation
- Psychological support and respite care
- Compensation for parking, accommodation, mileage
Eligibility: child under 18, medical documentation, Alberta resident
Autism Support Programs
Centre for Autism Services Alberta (CFASA)
- Preschool education (PUF)
- Social and recreational programs
- Independence training, respite
Children’s Autism Services
- Multidisciplinary and family-centered services
4. Public Health Centers
Child Health Clinics Community
Services for ages 2 months–5 years
- Immunizations and checkups
- Parent education
- Developmental screening
- Referrals to specialists
20 centers in Calgary: South, East, Chestermere Health Centres
Immunization Programs
- Appointments through 811
- Vaccinations starting at 2 months
- School programs (grades 1, 6, 9)
5. Mental Health Programs
CASA Mental Health
For children and teens ages 3–17:
- Core Program: general treatment
- Trauma Program: post-traumatic treatment
- Family Therapy: family counseling
- FASD Program
Early Childhood Program – Addiction & Mental Health
For children aged 0–6:
- Parent-child therapy
- Support groups (Circle of Security)
- Sessions: in person, by phone, online Contact: 403-943-1500
6. Educational and developmental programs
Early Childhood Services (ECS)
- Pre-Kindergarten (2 years 8 months+): ESL, French-speaking, gifted, disabled
- Kindergarten (4 years 8 months+): preparation for 1st grade
Family Resource Networks
- Prevention, early intervention
- Child development and family support
7. Specialized school programs
School Health Program
- School nurses
- Health resource navigation
- Immunizations (grades 1, 6, 9)
Oral Health Program
-
Fluoridation, sealants
-
Dental Emergency Assistance (DOoR)
-
Oral health education
School Nutrition Program
- Nutrition for ~58,000 students
- Funding: $42 million (federal) + $20 million (state)
8. Home and family programs
Home Visitation Programs
- Visits to families with children aged 0–6
- Breastfeeding support
- Culturally sensitive assistance
- Referrals to resources
Respite Care Programs
- Temporary care for children with disabilities
- Child Care Respite Program in Grande Prairie
9. Child Care (Licensed Child Care)
- $15/day (2025), $10/day (2026)
- Monthly fee: $326.25 (full), $230 (partial)
- Formats: preschools, after-school care, family day homes
10. Useful contacts and resources
| Program | Phone | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Health Link | 811 | Medical advice, vaccinations, translation |
| Alberta Child Health Benefit | 780-427-6848 | Additional medical coverage |
| FSCD Program | 310-0000 | Support for families with disabilities |
| Access Mental Health | 403-943-1500 | Children's mental health |
| Child Abuse Hotline | 1-800-387-5437 | Reporting child abuse |