Starting April 1, 2025, Alberta introduced a new flat-rate parent fee program for licensed child care, setting fees at $15 per day for full-time care and $230 per month for part-time care. This change aims to make child care more affordable and predictable for families across the province by replacing the previous income-based subsidy system.
The government will provide affordability grants to licensed child care providers to cover operational costs, ensuring that quality care remains accessible. However, the elimination of the geared-to-income subsidy means some low-income families may face higher fees than before, a significant shift that has raised concerns among many.
In addition, Alberta is working with the federal government under the Canada-Alberta Early Learning and Child Care Agreement to support the creation of tens of thousands of new licensed child care spaces to meet demand.
For more details on Alberta’s daycare cap and funding programs, visit the Government of Alberta’s Child Care page and the Canada-Alberta Early Learning Agreement.
Have questions or need guidance navigating childcare options in Alberta? Reach out to the Adaptley team—we’re here to support newcomers in making confident, informed choices for their families.