Early learning and child care engagement

Overview

We heard feedback from parents and guardians on how they define quality childcare, programs and services they expect from childcare operators, and what factors contribute to their childcare choices.

By 2025-26, Alberta will reduce core childcare fees for families to an average of $10 per day and transition from an Early Learning and Child Care system funded by parent fees to one primarily funded by government.

As we make this transition, parents and guardians have a critical role in assessing quality child care and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement to support long-term success.

Input received

Albertans shared feedback on high-quality child care, programs and services expected from childcare operators, and what factors contribute to your childcare choices, through an online survey between January 15 to February 11, 2024.

The survey was available in a variety of languages including:

• English
• Français (French)
• Español (Spanish)
• ਪੰਜਾਬੀ (Punjabi)
• Tagalog (Tagalog)
• 简体中文 (Chinese – Simplified)
• 繁體中文 (Chinese – Traditional)
• українська (Ukrainian)

Outcomes

Feedback helped inform the ongoing transformation of the Early Learning and Child Care system from one funded by parents to one primarily funded by government. Our plan is funded in part by the Government of Canada through the Canada-Alberta Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.

Learn more:

• Early learning and child care vision
• Child care lookup
• Federal-provincial child care agreement