Alberta changed how childcare is funded on April 1, 2025, and a lot of the information online is out of date. Here's how it works for the 2026–27 year, based on the Government of Alberta's own pages (checked October 2026).
Children up to kindergarten age: a flat parent fee
Licensed daycares and family day homes can sign an Affordability Grant agreement with the province. When they do, families with children up to kindergarten age pay a flat monthly fee:
| Registered hours per month | Parent fee |
|---|---|
| Full-time (100+ hours) | $326.25 per month |
| Part-time (50–99 hours) | $230 per month |
| Under 50 hours | No funding; the program sets the fee |
You don't apply for this. The funding goes to the centre and is already built into the fee you're charged. It isn't income-tested, so every eligible family pays the same flat fee.
A few exceptions: the flat fee doesn't apply if the centre doesn't receive affordability funding, if your child is registered for fewer than 50 hours a month, or if your child attends full-time kindergarten or is older than kindergarten age. Licensed preschools work differently: they receive up to $100 per child per month to lower their fees.
Kindergarten to grade 6: the Child Care Subsidy
For care outside school hours, families can apply to Alberta's Child Care Subsidy Program if their total family income is under $90,000 a year and the child is in full-time kindergarten or grades 1 to 6 in a licensed program. The maximum monthly subsidy at the lowest income level is:
| Child | Maximum subsidy |
|---|---|
| Full-time kindergarten, facility-based program (100+ hours) | $644 |
| Grades 1 to 6 (50+ hours) | $366 ($644 in July and August) |
The amount steps down as income rises, to $161 and $92 for families earning $85,000 to $89,999. Apply online through the Alberta Childcare Family Portal. You'll need your CRA Notice of Assessment (line 15000).
Questions to ask any centre about cost
- Do you receive Alberta's affordability funding?
- What do I pay for my child's age and hours?
- Are meals, snacks or transportation included, or extra?
- Is there a registration fee or deposit?
- What are your fees for out-of-school care?
Funding rules change. Always check alberta.ca/childcare-fees for the latest, and ask us about Little Otters' current rates.
