Child Care Subsidy in Alberta

Subsidy rates vary based on the child’s age, family income, the child care program and the number of hours a child attends each month.

Types of child care subsidies include:

• subsidy for children 0 to kindergarten-age (in kindergarten and also attending child care during regular school hours)

• subsidy for children in kindergarten to grade 6 enrolled in a licensed program outside of regular school hours

Alberta Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement

Funding Information:

Families who make less than $180,000 will be eligible for an additional subsidy to further reduce their child care costs.

Parents will see reduced fees starting in early 2022, and can expect to pay an average of:

• $10 per day if they earn up to $119,999

• $11 to $17 per day if they earn between $120,000 and $179,999

• $22.19 per day if they earn $180,000 and above

The amount you will save will vary depending on your child care provider's fees. However, grant-receiving providers must commit to helping Alberta ensure families reach an average of $10 per day by the end of 5 years.

Fees will be reduced by increasing family income thresholds for Child Care Subsidy eligibility criteria so more parents benefit:

• Full subsidy if gross household income is up to $119,999

• Partial subsidy if gross household income is from $120,000 to $179,999

• Preschool (part-time) flat rate of $125 per month for families earning up to $180,000

In January, you may find your funding looks a bit different because of the combination of grants and subsidy, but you will still be paying less overall for your licensed child care. The combined benefits of affordability grants and subsidies should be considered when estimating your new costs.

Learn more about the Alberta Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.

Alberta Child Care Subsidy

Eligibility

You can apply for child care subsidy if:

• You or your spouse or partner, or the child receiving care, are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada

• You or your spouse or partner are an Alberta resident

• You and your spouse or partner:

  • Are working, or looking for work

  • Are attending school

  • Have special needs, or your child has a special need

• Your children are 12 years old or younger and are not yet attending Grade 7

• Your children have a secured spot in a licensed facility-based program with daycare or out-of-school care programming

The amount of subsidy you receive and which program you qualify for will depend on the age of your child, type of child care program and your household income. 

You are eligible if:

• Your total family income is less than $180,000 per year for children 0 to kindergarten age (for those children who are in kindergarten and also attending child care during regular school hours).

  • You will also benefit from reduced fees through an affordability grant provided directly to child care operators. The combined benefits of affordability grants and subsidies should be considered when estimating your new costs. 

• Your total family income is less than $90,000 per year for children in kindergarten to Grade 6 enrolled in a licensed program outside of regular school hours.

How to Apply

1. Read the eligibility requirements and make sure you understand what happens after you apply.

2. Complete the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Consent Applicant Declaration and Acknowledgement form, if you haven't completed it in the past.

3. Complete the Child Care Subsidy application online using your MyAlberta Digital ID (MADI) account.

4. Provide additional information or documents as requested during the assessment process.

Learn more about the Alberta Child Care Subsidy.