Childcare and affordability are crucial for families and the government recognizes this. That is why in 2021 the Alberta government signed the Canada-Alberta Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. The government believes that all Albertans deserve an affordable, accessible, high-quality, inclusive childcare sector.
To help both families and businesses, the creation of the Early Learning and Child Care Agreement promises a total of $3.8 billion being invested over five years to bring childcare fees to an average of $10 per day. Having affordable childcare is what creates opportunities and keeps money in parents’ pockets.
Since January 2022, childcare fees that were paid by parents were reduced by 50% across Alberta. In 2024, it is expected that parents will pay an average of $15 a day and by 2026 that average will be reduced to $10 a day. In addition, the Alberta government is excited to announce that it has put over $900 million back into the pockets of parents who use childcare. That is approximately $550 per month per child. Furthermore, just in 2024 alone the Child Care Agreement will save families in Alberta $9,000 per year per child.
Supporting Childcare Staff and Operators – Affordability Grant
In order to support both operators and reduce parental fees for childcare, the Alberta government has replaced revenue operators with the Affordability Grants. What is exciting about these grants is that while the fees paid by parents are decreasing, childcare operators have seen an increase in their total revenue from the government, plus an additional amount in recognition of increased costs. In total, most operators have seen an increase of 9% in total program fees over the past three years. The Alberta government is also offering other funding that will support the staff of childcare facilities. These include wage top ups for early educator staff, of up to $8.62 per hour, and access to $4,300 per educator per year for professional development and training. These efforts from the Alberta government have and continue to make a difference in the lives of many Albertans.
If you have any questions or input, please feel free to reach out to my office at [email protected].
MLA – Calgary Fishcreek Myles McDougall
proudly serves the following Communities: Bonavista Downs, Deer Ridge, Deer Run, Diamond Cove, Lake Bonavista, Midnapore , Parkland, Queensland , Sundance
