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By Abby Zieverink

Alberta Childcare agreement

Alberta offering subsidies, operational grants following “historic” childcare agreement

Nov 26, 2021 | 4:08 PM

Starting January 2022, the Government of Alberta says they will be offering subsidies for some families, along with operating grants for facility-based childcare programs as part of the “historic childcare agreement” with the Federal government announced mid-November.

The announcement from November 15 saw the federal and provincial government reach a deal which will see the average cost of childcare in the province drop to $10 a day within the next five years, as well as the average cost of childcare set to be cut in half by the end of 2022.

Read more: Alberta, feds reach deal for $10-a-day child care

Now, the province has announced a reduction in fees for additional families, including subsidies for families earning under $180,000, as well as operating grants for facility-based childcare programs, which the Alberta government says is set to lower fees for parents without making extra costs.

“These investments will make a big difference for families, but we know that this targeted approach will also actually make sure dollars go to parents and kids who need it and really have an impact on economic recovery,” said Minister of Childcare Services Rebecca Schulz.

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(Supplied: Government of Alberta)

Parents can apply online for subsidies starting at the beginning of January 2022.

(Supplied: Government of Alberta)

The province says these numbers are for licensed spaces in childcare facilities and preschools starting mid-January.

They say they are working with family day homes and family day home agencies to finalize grants and subsidy levels for day home providers and parents, which are also set to roll out in mid-January 2022.

The government says both the operating grants and subsidy will go to the provider who will then reduce fees for parents. The subsidy is layered in addition to the operating grant to make sure parents who need it most see greater benefits.

“For example, a family earning $75,000 per year with one toddler attending a daycare program would be eligible for full subsidy. If the current fees are $1,000 per month, the daycare program will receive $510 per month in an operating grant and the family would be eligible for $266 per month. The remaining parent portion will be $224 per month or approximately $10 per day,” explained the province in a release.

“A family earning $130,000 per year with an infant attending a daycare program would be eligible for partial subsidy. If the current fees are $1,200 per month, the program will receive $635 per month in an operating grant and the family would be eligible for $226 per month in subsidy. The remaining parent portion is $339 per month or $15.60 per day.”

By spring 2022, the Alberta government says they will be making licensed childcare more accessible by increasing the number of spaces to meet the anticipated demand.