Licensed facility-based programs

Below is a list of required documents to submit as a part of the application process. Applicants should refer to Steps 5 to 7 of ‘Part 1: The Application Process’ in the Licensing handbook for detailed instructions on submission requirements.

• Licence application form – primary application form to apply for a new licence. It requires information about the applicant, legal representative and the type of childcare you plan to provide. As you complete the form, a checklist of all the required documents will be generated within the application form. To ensure all required fields are visible and complete, fill out the entire form on a computer before printing or saving.
• Program plan template – outlines how your program will meet children’s needs and deliver quality childcare. It also includes your staffing plan, administrative policies and procedures, and useable indoor and outdoor play space.
• Subsidy grant application form – if you will be receiving subsidy benefits on behalf of parents or guardians whose children qualify for subsidy, this funding agreement between your program and the Ministry of Education and Childcare is required. The Child Care Subsidy Program is available for eligible families with children in full-time kindergarten up to grade 6.
• Direct deposit form – provides your financial information to allow payment of eligible claimed funding (for example, wage top-ups and subsidy).
• Early Learning and Child Care Act and Regulation – establish the minimum standards that licensed childcare programs must follow to ensure the safety, well-being and developmental needs of children are met.
• Certification guide for early childhood educators – provides information on the staff certification process and procedures for early childhood educators (ECEs).
• Collateral information – see ‘Step 5: Obtain the required health, municipal and safety approvals’ in the Licensing handbook.
• Certificate showing that you have completed a new licence holder information session (see below).

Note: Fillable PDF forms may not open properly on some mobile devices and web browsers. See the step-by-step guide or contact PDF form technical support.

If you are applying for a facility-based licence for the first time, you must complete an information session offered by the Ministry of Education and Childcare. If applying as a corporation, one or more corporate directors (as determined by the ministry) must complete the session.

Call Childcare Connect at 1-844-644-5165 to sign up for this mandatory information session.

Before attending, review the Act and Regulation, as well as the application package in their entirety to be prepared. The session covers:

• an overview of the Act and Regulation
• licensing requirements and responsibilities
• key steps in the application and monitoring process

You can request the help of childcare licensing staff early on in the application process.

First, submit a partial application, which must include:

• a complete Licence application form
• a completed Program plan template
• documentation confirming the location
• a non-refundable $200 application fee

Then, contact Childcare Connect at 1-844-644-5165 to speak with licensing staff who can help you:

• learn more about the licensing process
• sign up for a mandatory licence holder information session
• review your program plan
• identify required zoning, health and safety approvals
• arrange an initial inspection of your space
• find local resources for early learning and business support

A licence will not be issued until a complete application is received, assessed and approved by licensing staff. If your application is inactive for more than 6 months, it will be returned to you and you will need to submit a new application, including another $200 application fee.

To submit your complete or partial application:

• Email required documents to Childcare Connect at [email protected], with the subject line: ‘New application: [your program name]’.
• Mail the $200 non-refundable application fee (payable by cheque to the Government of Alberta) to:

Childcare Connect
J.G. O ‘Donoghue Building, 2nd Floor
7000 113 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta  T6H 5T6

No courier or in-person drop off is available.

It may take up to 30 business days to process your application after licensing staff have confirmed your application package is complete. From October to December 2025, the average processing time for complete applications was 6 business days.

• Licence renewal application form – primary application form to renew your existing licence. It requires updated information about the applicant, legal representative and the type of childcare you provide.  

Note: As you complete the form, a checklist of all the required documents will be generated within the application form. To ensure all required fields are visible and completed, fill out the entire form on a computer before printing or saving.

To submit your renewal application:

• Email required documents to Childcare Connect at [email protected], with the subject line: ‘Renewal: [your program name]’.
• Mail the $100 non-refundable application fee (payable by cheque to the Government of Alberta) to:

Childcare Connect
J.G. O ‘Donoghue Building, 2nd Floor
7000 113 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta  T6H 5T6

No courier or in-person drop off is available.

Licence holders can request to change their program location, maximum capacity, licence expiry date or any other licensing condition by emailing the form below to Childcare Connect at [email protected] . An inspection may be required.

• Licence variance request form

Note: To ensure all required fields are visible and complete, fill out the entire form on a computer before printing or saving. If applicable, also submit an updated program plan.

Exemptions may be granted for specific regulatory requirements, such as transportation, cribs, outdoor play spaces, mixed-age groups or staff qualifications. Submit the form below to your licensing officer with details about why the exemption is necessary, how long the exemption is required and how children’s needs will be met during this time.

• Exemption request form

Note: As you complete the form, eligible exemptions will be generated within the form. To ensure all required fields are visible and complete, fill out the entire form on a computer before printing or saving.

If your licensing application, renewal or request to vary a licence has been refused, you have the right to appeal within 30 days of receiving the refusal letter. Learn more about how and when you can appeal a decision, including which licensing decisions can be revisited.

For additional licensing changes, like a change in ownership, sale of shares, or sale of corporation assets, read ‘Part 1, Step 9’ in the Licensing handbook.

To learn how sales and change of ownership affect funding eligibility, visit the Affordability Grant page.