Childcare services in Alberta encompass a range of options to meet the needs of families with young children. These services include licensed daycare centers, family day homes, out-of-school care programs, preschools, and nursery schools. Licensed daycare centers offer full-time or part-time care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, emphasizing early childhood development and socialization. Family day homes involve smaller, home-based settings, often operated by certified caregivers who care for a limited number of children. Out-of-school care programs offer before and after-school care for school-age children. Preschools and nursery schools focus on early education and preparation for kindergarten. The Government of Alberta regulates and licenses these services to ensure safety and quality standards are met, providing parents with peace of mind while they work or attend other commitments.

Childcare Services

You can access childcare services, resources, or information through various organizations and resources:

1. Local Childcare Centers:

   • Contact local childcare centers in your area to inquire about available spaces, programs, and enrollment procedures.

2. Provincial Government Websites:

   • Alberta Early Learning and Child Care: The Alberta government's official website provides information on childcare services, subsidy programs, and resources for parents and newcomers.

3. Local Settlement Agencies:

   • Many settlement agencies offer information and assistance in finding suitable childcare options for newcomers.

   • LINC programs also offer free childcare services for eligible parents.

     • Here are some organizations that offer childcare services through the LINC program:

       • Care for Newcomer Children | The Immigrant Education Society

       • Community-Based Care for Newcomer Children | Centre for Newcomers

       • Care for Newcomer Children | Edmonton Catholic School District

       • Care for Newcomer Children | Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers

       • Childcare Support via LINC | English Language Centre, Lethbridge College

4. Online Directories:

   • Online directories like Child Care Lookup (Alberta) can help newcomers find licensed childcare providers in their communities.

5. Local School Districts:

   • Contact your local school district for information on school-based childcare programs, after-school care, and preschools.

6. Local Libraries:

   • Libraries often have resources and information on childcare services, including listings of local programs and community events.

7. Parenting Organizations:

   • Organizations like the Alberta Association for the Accreditation of Early Learning and Care Services (AELCS) provide information on high-quality childcare programs and accreditation standards.

8. Online Parenting Forums and Groups:

   • Joining online forums and social media groups for parents in your area can be a valuable resource for advice, recommendations, and information on local childcare services.

Subsidy Program (Alberta Government)

Subsidies are available to offset the cost of child care for eligible families.

See the Government of Alberta website for more detailed information.

Eligibility for Child Care Subsidy:

• Families with children aged 0 to Grade 6 enrolled in licensed childcare programs, including daycare, out-of-school care, and preschool.

• Subsidy rates vary based on child age, family income, childcare program type, and monthly attendance hours.

• Types of subsidies include those for children 0 to kindergarten age, kindergarten to Grade 6 (outside school hours), preschool, and extended hours.

• As of August 1, child care subsidy will be available to temporary residents with a work permit, refugee claimant or protected person claimant.

  

Subsidy Types and Rates:

• Subsidy rates are determined by total family income, childcare program type, and monthly attendance hours.

• Eligibility is based on gross household income from the most recent CRA Notice of Assessment.

How to Apply:

• Apply online for faster processing through the Child Care Subsidy Application.

• Submit the CRA Consent Applicant Declaration and Acknowledgement form during the application.

• The subsidy starts from the beginning of the month your application is received.

• Displaced Ukraine Nationals in need of childcare subsidies can apply here.

After You Apply:

• The conditional 2-month subsidy is provided while the assessment is completed.

• Additional documentation may be required.

Renewal, Changes, and Estimation:

• Renew your subsidy, update personal information, or estimate your subsidy using the online estimator.

Finding Child Care:

• Learn how to find and choose childcare and use the Child Care Lookup tool to find licensed programs.

Contact Information:

Alberta Supports Contact Centre: 780-644-9992 (Edmonton) or toll-free 1-877-644-9992 (7:30 am to 8 pm, Monday to Friday).

Provincial subsidy office contact: Fax: 780-422-5692, Email: cs.childsubsidy@gov.ab.ca, Address: Child Care Subsidy, PO Box 1641, Station M, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2N9.

Child Care Connect for inquiries about finding or choosing childcare: Toll-free at 1-844-644-5165 (available in over 100 languages).

Canada Child Benefit (CCB) Program

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a federal government program in Canada that provides financial assistance to eligible families to help raise children under 18. It is a tax-free monthly payment designed to provide support based on family income, the number of children in the household, and their ages.

Key features of the Canada Child Benefit program include:

1. Income-Based: The amount of CCB a family receives depends on their total family income. Families with lower incomes receive higher benefits, while those with higher incomes receive progressively smaller benefits.

2. Monthly Payments: The CCB is provided to eligible families as a monthly payment, which helps cover ongoing expenses related to raising children, such as food, clothing, and childcare.

3. Benefit for All: The CCB is intended to assist all eligible families, including those who are newcomers to Canada, to ensure that children have the financial support they need for their well-being and development.

4. Application Process: To receive the CCB, families need to file their income tax returns every year, as the benefit is calculated based on the information provided in these returns. It's important to keep tax records up-to-date to ensure accurate benefit payments.

5. Additional Support: Families with children who have disabilities may be eligible for additional financial support through the Child Disability Benefit (CDB), which is part of the CCB program.

Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB)

The Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB) is a financial support program designed to assist eligible low to moderate-income families with the costs of raising children.

Eligibility:

• Eligible families must be residents of Alberta.

• Families with children under 18 years old may qualify.

• Income thresholds and benefit amounts are determined based on family size and income.

How to Apply:

• You are automatically considered for the ACFB when you file your annual tax return and qualify for the federal government's Canada Child Benefit. No further action is required.

• You can apply for the Canada Child Benefit online if you need to.

Benefits:

• The ACFB provides financial assistance to eligible families through monthly payments.

• Benefit amounts are determined based on family income, with higher benefits provided to lower-income families.

• Families may also receive additional benefits for children with disabilities.

Additional Information:

• The ACFB is intended to help families cover the costs of raising children, including expenses related to food, clothing, and other basic needs.

• Benefit amounts and eligibility criteria can change over time, so it's important to visit the official Government of Alberta website or contact the Alberta Supports Contact Centre for the most up-to-date information and application details.

Alberta Child Health Benefit

The Alberta Child Health Benefit (ACHB) program provides health-related benefits to eligible low-income families with children.

Eligibility:

• Eligible families must be residents of Alberta.

• Families with children under 18 years old may qualify.

• Income thresholds and benefit amounts are determined based on family size and income.

How to Apply:

• Families can apply through the Alberta Child Health Benefit form.

  • Sign and date the sections marked My Declaration and Consent for Canada Revenue Agency.

• Once the form is filled out, you must mail or fax it to the Health Benefits Contact Centre:

Phone:

780‑427‑6848

Toll free: 1‑877‑469‑5437

Fax:

780‑415‑8386 (Edmonton)

Toll free fax: 1‑855‑415‑8386

Mailing address:

Health Benefits Contact Centre
PO Box 2222 Station Main
Edmonton, Alberta  T5J 5H3

Benefits:

• The ACHB provides financial assistance to eligible families to help cover the costs of health-related expenses for children.

• Benefits may include coverage for prescription drugs, dental care, optical services, and more.

• Benefit amounts are determined based on family income, with higher benefits provided to lower-income families.

Additional Information:

• The ACHB is intended to support families accessing essential health services for their children, ensuring their well-being.

• Benefit amounts and eligibility criteria can change over time, so visiting the official Government of Alberta website is important.

Child Support

Child support in Alberta refers to the financial assistance provided by one parent to the other to help cover the costs of raising their child or children after a separation or divorce. It is typically paid by the non-custodial parent (the parent with whom the child does not primarily reside) to the custodial parent (the parent with whom the child primarily resides). Child support is a legal obligation, and both parents are responsible for financially supporting their children, regardless of their relationship status.

The amount of child support is determined based on factors such as the paying parent's income, the number of children, and provincial child support guidelines. Child support aims to ensure that the child's financial needs are met, including expenses related to food, clothing, housing, education, and other essentials. It is an important measure to safeguard the well-being and financial security of children in Alberta.