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Alberta Childcare Funding

—Federal Affordability Grant & Alberta Child Care Subsidy

Making Child Care More Affordable

Government Funding Through Woodlands Kids Co

As a licensed family day home agency, Woodlands Kids Co is proud to offer access to government-funded support that helps reduce the cost of child care for families.

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The Alberta Government has introduced important updates to its child care funding model. These changes include the elimination of the Child Care Subsidy for children up to kindergarten age. Instead, eligible families will now benefit from a simplified, flat-rate fee structure under the Affordability Grant Program:

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  • $326.25/month per child for full-time care (100+ hours/month)

  • $230.00/month per child for part-time care (50–99 hours/month)

  • Care under 50 hours/month is not eligible for funding

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This grant is automatically applied, meaning families do not need to submit an application for the Affordability Grant.

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 For School-Age Children (Kindergarten and Up)

The Alberta Child Care Subsidy will continue to be available for eligible families with school-aged children enrolled in a licensed day home or child care program.

What is the Affordability Grant?

Helping Families Access Quality Child Care at Lower Costs

The Affordability Grant is part of the federal-provincial child care agreement designed to reduce the average cost of child care in Alberta to $10/day by 2026. This funding applies to children up to kindergarten age and is available only through licensed child care programs—including family day homes overseen by licensed agencies like Woodlands Kids Co.

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How the Grant Works

Families enrolled in our agency’s approved day homes will pay a flat-rate “parent portion” based on the number of hours of care used each month:

  • Full-Time Care (100+ hours/month): $326.25 per child

  • Part-Time Care (50–99 hours/month): $230.00 per child

  • Less than 50 hours/month: Not eligible for funding

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The Affordability Grant is not income-based, and no application is required. As your licensed agency, Woodlands Kids Co applies for this funding on your behalf, and it is applied directly to reduce your monthly child care fees.

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Understanding the Payment Model

Here’s how your child care fee is calculated:

Program Fee – Parent Portion = Government-Funded Portion

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  • The Alberta Government pays the difference directly to the child care provider

  • You pay the parent portion directly to the educator

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This system ensures consistent and simplified access to funding for all families—regardless of income, employment status, or family structure.

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Additional Notes on Parent Fees

Some educators may charge supplemental fees for services not included in core child care, such as:

  • Transportation

  • Field trips

  • Meals and snacks

  • Diapers and wipes

  • Extended or overnight care

  • Extra Murals -Little Cooks, Music Classes

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Fees may also apply for certain situations such as:

  • Late pickup

  • Late payment

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Additional Parent Fees

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Alberta Child Care Subsidy

What is the Alberta Child Care Subsidy?

The Alberta Child Care Subsidy is a government program that helps eligible families reduce the cost of child care for school-aged children (kindergarten and up to 12 years old) who are enrolled in licensed child care programs during out-of-school hours.

As of April 1, 2025, this subsidy is no longer available for children from birth to kindergarten age. Younger children now receive support through the Affordability Grant, which offers a set monthly parent fee for care.

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Subsidy eligibility is based on:

  • Family income

  • Number of hours your child attends care

  • Type of care (before and after school care, full-day care on non-school days, etc.)

  • Circumstances such as seeking employment, attending school, or if you or your child has a special need

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You will need to apply for the subsidy through the Alberta government. If approved, the funding will be paid directly to your Woodlands Kids Co Day Home Educator, reducing your monthly fees.

 

​To check eligibility and apply, visit the official Alberta Child Care Subsidy website Child Care Digital Service

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How to Apply for Alberta Childcare Subsidy

You can apply online up to one month prior to care. Here’s what you’ll need to apply:

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  1. A valid MyAlberta Digital ID account

  2. The name of your day home agency (NOT the individual educator)

  3. The following information for yourself and your spouse/partner

    • Your most recent Notice of Assessment (from your income taxes)

      1. Income (line 15000)

      2. Medical expenses (line 33199)

      3. Education expenses (line 32000)

    • Social insurance number

    • Signed consent form allowing the AB Government to access your information with the CRA (to verify your information) – this form is provided during the online application

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