Child Care Subsidy Changes in Alberta
Child Care Subsidy Changes in Alberta
Understanding the Flat-Fee Child Care Program
Alberta’s child care subsidy system has changed significantly with the introduction of the flat-fee child care model. Through Alberta’s affordability funding program, families with children enrolled in eligible licensed daycare programs can now access reduced parent fees and more predictable monthly child care costs. Under the current system:
- Families using full-time child care (100+ hours per month) pay a maximum parent fee of $326.25 per month
• Families using part-time child care (50–99 hours per month) pay $230 per month
This updated model replaced the previous income-based child care subsidy for children up to kindergarten age, helping make child care more affordable and accessible for families across Alberta.
Out-of-school care programs for school-aged children continue to operate under separate funding and eligibility guidelines.
Alberta continues working with the federal government to improve long-term child care affordability and expand access to quality early learning programs. For more details, visit the Alberta Child Care Subsidy page.
Previous Child Care Subsidy Model vs. Alberta’s Current Flat-Fee System
Here’s a simple breakdown of how Alberta’s child care funding model has changed:
Feature | Previous Subsidy System | Current Flat-Fee Model |
Eligibility | Based on household income | Available through eligible licensed child care programs |
Full-time child care fees | Varied based on income | Fixed at $326.25/month |
Part-time child care fees | Pro-rated based on income | Fixed at $230/month |
Funding process | Parents applied for a subsidy | Funding is applied through participating programs |
Monthly costs | Varied by income level | More predictable monthly parent fees |
Out-of-school care | Separate subsidy system | Separate funding rules still apply |
The current flat-fee model simplifies the child care funding process while helping many Alberta families reduce monthly daycare costs.
Who is Eligible?
Families may qualify for reduced child care fees through licensed daycare programs participating in Alberta’s affordability funding program.
Eligibility generally depends on:
Licensed Child Care Enrollment
Your child must be enrolled in an eligible licensed daycare, approved family day home, group family child care program, or licensed child care centre participating in Alberta’s affordability funding system.
At Clever Daycare, we help families access affordable, high-quality child care in a safe, nurturing, and modern learning environment.
Child’s Age
Reduced parent fees currently apply primarily to children up to kindergarten age enrolled in eligible child care programs.
Annual Family Income
Monthly parent fees are based on the number of registered child care hours:
- Full-time care (100+ hours per month): $326.25/month
• Part-time care (50–99 hours per month): $230/month
Programs may set different fees for children attending fewer than 50 hours per month.
Affordable Child Care at Clever Daycare
At Clever Daycare, we’re committed to providing high-quality early learning and child care programs while helping families take advantage of Alberta’s reduced child care fees and affordability funding.
Our team can help answer your questions about:
- Child care fees and affordability funding
• Full-time and part-time daycare options
• Infant, toddler, preschool, and kindergarten care
• Available spaces and registration
• Booking a daycare tour
If you’re looking for affordable licensed daycare in Alberta, we’re here to help your family find the right fit.
Last updated: May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
For most families with children up to kindergarten age enrolled in eligible licensed daycare programs, reduced parent fees are automatically applied. Separate applications may still be required for out-of-school care progra
Out-of-school care programs follow separate funding guidelines. Financial support may still depend on household income and eligibility requirements.
The new flat-fee model gives many families more predictable and affordable daycare costs. Some families who previously received higher subsidy amounts may see different out-of-pocket costs.
Additional support may still be available through separate provincial programs, depending on eligibility and family circumstances.
Reduced parent fees apply to eligible licensed child care programs participating in Alberta’s affordability funding system, including participating daycare centres and approved family day homes.
How to Apply?
