With major changes coming to Alberta’s childcare funding and subsidy programs under the Canada-Alberta Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) Agreement, it’s important for daycare operators, preschools, and family day homes to stay informed.

Starting April 1, 2025, new affordability funding approaches and flat fee structures will go into effect. Here’s what all Alberta childcare providers need to know:

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Key Changes for Alberta Childcare Providers

🔹 Transition from Subsidies to Flat Fees:

• Full-Time Care: $326.25/month (equivalent to $15/day)
• Part-Time Care: $230/month (50–99 hours/month)
• Preschools: Up to $100/month reduction in fees

🔹 End of the Current Child Care Subsidy Program

• Subsidy ends March 31, 2025 for children aged 0–Kindergarten attending licensed daycare, family day homes, and preschools.
• Subsidy remains available for Out-of-School Care (OSC) for Kindergarten–Grade 6 students.

🔹 New Child Care Participant Number:

• Every child enrolled in a licensed childcare program will be assigned a unique identifier, required for the new claims system launching in summer 2025.
• Providers must begin registering children in the Child Care Licensing Portal starting April 2025.

🔹 Preschool-Specific Changes:

• No mandatory flat fees, but increased affordability funding of up to $100 per enrolled child.
• Existing fee flexibility remains, allowing providers to structure fees as needed.

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Timeline for Providers

📆 January–March 2025:

• ✅ Sign Affordability Grant Agreements by March 31 to ensure funding.
• ✅ Attend training and information sessions on the new funding and claims systems.

📆 April 2025:

• ✅ Start registering children in the new Child Care Licensing Portal.
• ✅ Continue claims under the existing system during the transition period.

📆 Summer 2025:

• ✅ Transition to the new claims system, with phased training for providers.

💡 Additional Notes for Providers:

• Wage top-ups, professional development, and other supports remain available but require signing the new Affordability Grant Agreement.
• Regional benchmarks will standardize fees across Alberta, with adjustments for inflation and cost increases.

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Staying informed on the new Alberta government childcare changes can help you keep on top of necessary changes you need to make. ChildFriendly is here to help. Check out how ChildFriendly can help you navigate these changes with as little stress as possible here.

Need more info? Book a no-obligation demo – we’re here to support you!