Childcare – Supports for parents and families

Introduction

As of April 1, 2025, parents with children up to kindergarten age attending full-time licensed daycare facilities and family day home programs across the province are eligible for a flat parent fee of $326.25 per month. Parents requiring part-time care pay $230 per month. As opposed to a flat monthly parent fee, parents with children in preschools instead have a reduction of up to $100 off their preschool program’s stated monthly childcare fees.

Accessing childcare

Parents can ask their childcare provider whether their program is eligible for affordability funding. Parents who choose an ineligible program will not receive a reduction to their childcare fees.

Parents and families across Alberta rely on licensed childcare programs every day to support the growth and development of their children. Childcare programs and educators help children of all abilities build skills that support their growth and overall health.

On November 15, 2021, the Alberta and federal governments announced an agreement to reduce childcare fees by an average of 50 in early 2022 and to provide $10 per day fees, on average, by 2026. Learn more about this historic agreement.

Choosing quality childcare for your family is a very important decision. You want to find a safe, healthy environment that supports the social, physical, intellectual, creative and emotional development of your children. Learn about Finding and choosing childcare in Alberta, and find out if you are eligible to apply for childcare subsidy for help with childcare fees for school-aged children.

Access to inclusive childcare is important to support families who have children with extra support needs. Inclusive childcare environments support parents’ participation in the workforce and help children to build positive relationships and participate meaningfully in the program.

The provincial Inclusive Child Care (ICC) program assists licensed childcare programs and educators to build their capacity to include children who have extra support needs, increase families’ access to inclusive childcare, and prevent the exclusion or removal of children from childcare programs.

The ICC program provides childcare programs and educators with short-term, intensive supports through coaching and consulting to build their capacity to include children with extra support needs.