Raising children is no easy feat and financially it can get pretty expensive. While many new parents begin budgeting for new babies well before they even arrive, it’s hard to predict just how costly child care can get. So what can parents do? Luckily, the government offers subsidies to help parents alleviate the financial burden of costly child care. The unfortunate part however, is navigating the system to understand what is available and how to get it. But don’t worry, we’re here to help!

In Alberta, financial assistance provided through the Ministry of Children’s Services is available for eligible lower-income families using:

•    Licensed day care centres
•    Licensed group family child care
•    Licensed out-of-school care centres
•    Licensed pre-schools
•    Approved family day homes
•    Approved early childhood development programs

Depending on the program type and the age of your child, the maximum subsidy rates may vary.

You can apply for a subsidy if:

•    You or your spouse/partner, or the child are Canadian citizens.
•    You or your spouse/partner are permanent residents of Canada and live in Alberta.
•    Your child is 12 years of age or younger and is not yet attending Grade 7.
•    You and your spouse/partner are currently working, attending school, looking for work or have special needs.
•    You or your spouse/partner stay-at-home and have your child enrolled in a licensed pre-school or approved early childhood development program.

To find out if you are eligible, you can fill out your applicant information through the Alberta Human Services Child Care subsidy form. If you are not eligible for these reasons, there are other child care subsidy options available. For any inquiries about child care subsidies you can contact Alberta Human Services or call toll free at 1‑877‑644‑9992.