Alberta Families to Pay Fixed Monthly Rate for Child Care Under New Plan
Alberta is introducing a flat monthly parent fee of $326.25 for full-time licensed childcare, effective April 1.
The change amounts to $15 per day daycare, and it is part of the $3.8-billion Canada-Alberta Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, aimed at making child care more affordable and accessible for families across the province. Parents requiring part-time care will pay $230 per month.
The province says the move will simplify child-care costs, which currently vary depending on location, provider, and the child’s age. The government will cover approximately 80 per cent of child-care costs through grants to daycare facilities and family day homes.
“Albertans deserve affordable child-care options, no matter where they are or which type of care works best for them,” said Matt Jones, Alberta’s minister of jobs, economy and trade. “We are bringing in flat parent fees for families so they can all access high-quality childcare for the same affordable, predictable fee.”
Jenna Sudds, the federal minister of families, children and social development, said the plan will make life more affordable for families and give them more flexibility.
“Reducing childcare fees makes life more affordable for families and gives them the freedom to make choices that work for them—whether that’s working, studying or growing their family,” she said. “We’ll keep working to bring costs down, create more spots and reduce waitlists for families in Alberta and across the country.”
Under the new framework, about 85 per cent of licensed daycare providers will receive increased funding. The province says it is also enhancing administrative processes to reduce red tape for child-care providers.
The new flat fee replaces the province’s existing child-care subsidy for children up to kindergarten age who attend daycare during school hours. However, subsidies for out-of-school care remain unchanged for children in grades 1 to 6 and those attending full-day kindergarten.
Preschools will not be subject to the flat parent fee but will receive increased funding, with the government reimbursing parents up to $100 per child each month, up from $75.
Child-care providers will still be able to charge optional supplemental fees for services beyond standard care, such as transportation, field trips, and meals. The province says clear guidelines will be in place to ensure these fees do not result in preferential access to child-care services.