Subsidy for daycare in Alberta was developed in a bid to reduce the burden of families paying huge amounts of money for child care, the government provides subsidies for eligible families. A family can only be eligible if they have children between the ages of 0 to 6 years enrolled in a :
- Group family child care center
- Family day home program managed by a licensed day care agency
- Licensed facility-based child care center including a preschool center, daycare, or out-of-school center
This subsidy comes in different types and rates depending on factors like:
- Type of child care program
- Total family income
- The number of hours the child attends in a month.
Types of Subsidy for Daycare in Alberta
In Alberta, there are many way of subsidizing daycare, they include:
1. Subsidizing Daycare for 0 to Kindergarten-age (child care during school hours)
Families with children from 0 years up to kindergarten age, and whose total income is under $180,000 a year can receive affordability grants (paid directly to the daycare management) or a fixed lower rate of $125 per month. This fixed rate and affordability grant is also available during regular school hours and summer months.
2. Subsidizing Daycare for Kindergarten to Grade 6 (Child Care Outside School Hours)
This subsidy is for families with income under $90,000 gross annually and have children enrolled in kindergarten up to grade 6, the rate is applicable to enrollment in any licensed day care outside regular school hours. To enjoy this subsidy, the child must attend the maximum number of hours (100 hours for kindergarten and 50 hours for those between grade 1 to 6).
The rate for children in kindergarten age is between $516 to $129, and for school children from grade 1 to 6, the rate is between $366 to $92. This subsidy is also applicable if your children daycare centers during school hours.
3. Preschool Subsidy
Just like the name, preschool subsidy is for families with children who attend any licensed preschool program, the family’s annual income must be under $180,000. The preschool subsidy reduces daycare rates to $125 per month.
The preschool subsidy allows a family to only benefit from one subsidy; if a family has children in other licensed daycare centers, they are only eligible to receive the subsidy type with the highest rate.
4. Extended Hours Subsidy
Families with children that require care outside regular school hours (outside 6am to 6pm) or weekends receive $100 per month per child in addition to a daycare subsidy. This subsidy is available for every family irrespective of the annual income.
To enjoy this subsidy, the licensed daycare must provide extended care hours. Also, the child must need at least 4 or more hours of extended care, but must not be receiving overnight accommodations or overnight affordability grants.
5. Summer Subsidy Rate for School-age Children
This summer Subsidy rate is to help parents who are burdened with the cost of paying the cost of childcare for school-age children during summer (July and August). The family’s annual income must be between $0 to $89,999.
Families with children receiving subsidies or who want to increase out-of-school child care hours throughout the summer months are eligible for this. However, the rate will automatically go back after September.
The summer school-age subsidy rate for facility-based centers costs between $161 and $644, while day home and group family centers are between $129 and $516.
How to be Eligible for Alberta Daycare Subsidy
- To be eligible for any of the above daycare subsidies, you or your partner or your child receiving the care must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada, temporary residents with a work permit, refugee claimants or protected person claimants (individuals unable to return to their countries of origin because they fear persecution).
- Either you or your spouse or partner must be resident of Alberta
- You and your partner must be engaged (Searching for jobs, working, schooling, have special needs.
- Your child has special needs.
- You have children under the age of 12
Conclusion
Starting a daycare in Alberta requires careful planning, compliance with provincial regulations, and a deep commitment to providing quality care for children. It involves several key steps, including understanding licensing requirements, choosing a suitable location, and creating a safe and stimulating environment. Ensuring adherence to Alberta’s Child Care Licensing Act and Regulations is crucial for legal operation and maintaining a high standard of care.
With the right preparation and dedication, starting a daycare in Alberta can be a rewarding venture that positively impacts the lives of children and their families.