With rising child care costs across Alberta, families are seeking reliable and affordable solutions. As of April 1, 2025, the Alberta government has replaced the Child Care Subsidy with the Affordability Grant, making high-quality, licensed child care more accessible to all families.
This updated guide will walk you through the changes, eligibility requirements, and the steps you need to take to secure support for your child’s care.
What Is the Child Care Affordability Grant in Alberta?
The Alberta Child Care Affordability Grant helps families reduce the cost of licensed child care services by providing predictable, government-supported monthly fees for parents.
Under the Affordability Grant, eligible child care options include:
- Licensed daycare centres
- Licensed family day homes
- Approved preschools
Families no longer need to apply separately for a subsidy. Instead, fees are reduced automatically when attending an eligible child care program.
At Clever Daycare, we proudly offer a range of licensed programs that are eligible under Alberta’s Affordability Grant.
Key Eligibility Criteria for the Child Care Affordability Grant in Alberta
The Affordability Grant is designed to be broad and inclusive. Here’s what you need to know:
- Age of Child: The grant supports children from birth up to kindergarten age (attending child care during school hours).
- Program Type: Your child must attend a licensed daycare, family day home, or preschool participating in the Alberta Affordability Grant.
- Residency: Families must reside in Alberta and enroll in a licensed program operating in the province.
- No Income Test for Base Fees: The base affordability grant does not require proof of income; flat rates apply to all families.
Families accessing out-of-school care (OSC) for children, Kindergarten through Grade 6, can still apply for the existing Child Care Subsidy.
How to Qualify for Child Care Financial Assistance
Qualifying for Alberta child care financial assistance through the Affordability Grant is simple:
- Enroll your child in a licensed child care facility participating in the program.
- Confirm that your provider is approved under the Affordability Grant (Clever Daycare is fully approved).
- No separate application is required for the base grant; your provider will apply the reduction directly to your monthly fees.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Accessing Financial Assistance
Even with the new system, some common pitfalls can delay support:
Choosing non-licensed care providers: Only licensed providers enrolled in the grant program qualify.
Missing updates: Keep your child’s enrollment records and personal information up to date.
Assuming automatic additional support: Although the Affordability Grant is applied automatically, extra income-based supports still require a separate application.
Other Factors That Influence Affordability Grant Benefits
The amount families pay under the grant structure is influenced by:
- Type of Child Care Program: Different fee structures apply to daycare, family day homes, and preschools.
- Hours of Care:
- Full-Time Care (100+ hours/month): $326.25/month for families
- Part-Time Care (50–99 hours/month): $230/month for families
- Preschool Programs: Families receive up to $100/month off preschool fees.
Families using licensed out-of-school care (OSC) can continue to apply for Child Care Subsidy to cover part of those costs.
Conclusion
Navigating the new child care affordability grant eligibility in Alberta doesn’t have to be complicated. Thanks to this shift from subsidies to grants, more families will benefit from flat-rate, affordable child care without the need for complex applications.
At Clever Daycare, we’re excited to offer programs eligible for the Affordability Grant and to support Alberta families through these important changes.
Ready to learn more or enroll? Contact us today!