Alberta will introduce a flat monthly fee of $326.25 for full-time licensed child care, or $15 per day, starting April 1. This change is part of the $3.8-billion Canada-Alberta Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, aimed at standardizing child-care costs across the province.
Parents using part-time care (50-99 hours per month) will pay $230 per month. Preschool fees will be reimbursed up to $100 per child per month, an increase from $75.
The Alberta government says the new structure could save families up to $11,000 per child per year, with 80 per cent of costs covered through grants to licensed daycare facilities and family day homes.
This new flat fee structure replaces the Child Care Subsidy Program for children zero to kindergarten age attending child care during regular school hours. Families using out-of-school care (grades 1-6) will continue to receive the existing subsidy.
The flat fee replaces Alberta’s previous $15-per-day model, which led to inconsistencies depending on location, child age, and provider. The government claims this new model will eliminate these disparities and ensure greater fairness for providers.
Alberta has committed to lowering fees further, with a target of $10 per day by March 2026 under its five-year federal-provincial agreement. The province is also aiming to add 68,700 new licensed child-care spaces by 2026.
Expanding Access with $53 Million Grant
In addition to the fee changes, Alberta is investing $53 million in a Building Blocks Capital Grant Program to create affordable, high-quality child-care spaces across the province. This program will provide non-profit and public child-care providers with the capital needed to build, expand, and upgrade facilities, prioritizing areas with limited child-care options or underserved communities, including rural and remote regions.
The Building Blocks grant is a complementary initiative to the Inclusive Spaces Program, which incentivizes existing licensed child-care facilities to become more accessible and inclusive. While the Inclusive Spaces Program focuses on improving accessibility and the quality of care in current facilities, the Building Blocks grant targets the creation of new spaces to meet the growing demand for child care across Alberta.
"The new Building Blocks grant will help achieve the Alberta government’s goal of creating 42,500 new child-care spaces by March 2026," said Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade. "This funding will help non-profit and public child-care providers make their programs more inclusive, create new child-care spaces, and meet the diverse needs of their communities, while maintaining the high-quality care parents deserve and expect."
"Every family deserves access to high-quality, affordable child care no matter where they live," said Jenna Sudds, Federal Minister of Families, Children, and Social Development. "Through the Building Blocks Capital Grant Program, we’re making it easier for providers to create new spots so more families can get off waitlists and into child care close to home."
Grant Details and Priorities
The grant will prioritize funding for projects that create new spaces in high-need areas. Applications are now being accepted for both major capital (projects over $500,000) and minor capital (projects under $500,000) grants.
"We’re taking a significant step forward with this $53-million investment in affordable and accessible child care," said Nick Parkinson, president and CEO of YMCA of Northern Alberta. "This funding will help child-care providers create more spaces, improve their facilities, and support families who need it most."
The grant builds on the government’s Inclusive Spaces Program, which incentivizes existing licensed child-care facilities to become more inclusive. This program supports minor renovations, equipment, and resources to improve accessibility and quality.
Further Details on the Fee Structure and Funding
The government says 85 per cent of licensed daycare providers will receive a funding increase under the new fee model.
"Albertans deserve affordable child-care options, no matter where they are or what type of care works best for them," said Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade. "We are bringing in flat parent fees so they can all access high-quality child care for the same affordable, predictable fee."
Federal officials say the new model aligns with national child-care affordability goals.
"Reducing child-care fees makes life more affordable for families, giving them the freedom to make choices that work for them—whether that’s working, studying, or growing their family," said Jenna Sudds, Federal Minister of Families, Children, and Social Development.
The flat fee applies to children up to kindergarten age attending licensed daycare or family day homes for at least 100 hours per month. Families using part-time care (50-99 hours per month) will pay $230 monthly. The out-of-school care subsidy for children in grades 1-6 remains unchanged.
Licensed programs may charge additional fees for optional services like transportation, field trips, and meals. The government says rules will prevent preferential access based on these fees.
To support the new model, Alberta is implementing technological solutions to streamline the child-care claims process and reduce administrative red tape for both providers and families. This includes faster reimbursements and simplified access to services.
Alberta has expanded its child-care workforce, reporting a 54 per cent increase in certified early childhood educators since 2021. The government will continue to support child-care workers through wage top-ups, training incentives, and professional development programs.
Looking ahead, Alberta is preparing to negotiate the next phase of its child-care agreement and is calling for long-term, sustainable federal funding.