Government mail service may be affected by the Canada Post labour disruption. Learn about how critical government mail will be handled.
Overview
On November 15, 2021, Alberta and the federal government announced a $3.8 billion federal-provincial agreement to reduce childcare fees for parents. In January 2022, childcare fees were reduced by over 50% from $44 per day to an average of $20 per day. In January 2024, Alberta lowered childcare fees even further to an average of $15 per day. As of April 1, 2025, Alberta moved to a flat $15 per day childcare fee across the province.
This page explains how government funding makes childcare more affordable and what your family might pay depending on funding eligibility and the type of program your child attends.
Note that families must pay childcare fees directly to their provider, not to the Government of Alberta.
Affordability funding
Government funding to reduce childcare fees in Alberta is called ‘affordability funding’. Each year, eligible licensed providers serving children up to kindergarten age can choose to sign an Affordability Grant agreement with the province. This agreement allows providers to receive funding that directly lowers the fees charged to parents and families.
Not all childcare programs are eligible for affordability funding. When looking for a provider, ask if they are licensed and eligible to receive this funding to reduce your fees.
Affordability funding is available for children who meet all of the following criteria:
- are kindergarten age or younger;
- are attending childcare during school hours if they are kindergarten age; and
- are registered to attend an eligible licensed daycare, family day home or preschool for more than 50 hours in a month
Daycare and family day home fees
If your child is kindergarten age or younger and attends a licensed daycare or family day home that receives affordability funding, you will pay a flat parent fee:
- $326.25 per month for full-time care (100 or more hours per month)
- $230 per month for part-time care (50 to 99 hours per month)
Families are not eligible for the flat parent fee if:
- their program does not receive affordability funding;
- their child is registered for less than 50 hours per month; or
- their child attends full-time kindergarten or is older than kindergarten age.
Optional services and fees
Childcare providers may offer optional services for an additional fee, as long as participation is voluntary. Examples of optional services include:
- meals and/or snacks
- transportation
- field trips or on-site experiential learning
- cultural activities or specialized classes
- extended hours or overnight care
- supplies (for example, diapers, sunscreen)
For more information, see Guiding Questions for Optional Services and Supplemental Parent fees. If you have questions or concerns about optional services and fees, call Childcare Connect, the toll-free childcare helpline at 1-844-644-5165
Preschool fees
Licensed preschool providers receive up to $100 per child per month in affordability funding to reduce childcare fees for families.
Out-of-school care fees
Childcare fees for out-of-school care vary by provider. This type of childcare is not eligible for affordability funding under the federal-provincial agreement. However, families with children in full-time kindergarten to Grade 6 may be eligible for reduced fees through the Child Care Subsidy Program.
Additional financial support
Alberta families may be eligible for financial assistance to help with the cost of raising children or accessing essential health and social services. Some of these programs are listed below, but there may be other services available to your family. To find out, call Alberta Supports toll free at 1-877-644-9992. The contact centre is open Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 8 pm.
- Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB) - This benefit provides tax-free payments to lower- and middle-income families with children under 18.
- Alberta Child Health Benefit (ACHB) - This benefit offers free health coverage for children in low-income families, including dental care, prescription drugs and eye care.
- Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) - This program provides support to children with disabilities and their families, including information, referrals and funding for a wide range of supports based on individual needs.