BC Subsidy for Daycare and Early Childhood Learning
Looking for financial assistance to manage daycare or early childhood education expenses?
You might be eligible for a BC daycare subsidy or grant to support your child’s care and education costs. Explore programs like the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI) and the Affordable Child Care Benefit to learn how they can help.
Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI) for 2024-25
The Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI) is a provincially funded program designed to lower and stabilize child care costs for families using licensed providers like Chartwell Childcare. Parents with children up to Kindergarten age can save up to $900 per month, per child, on monthly tuition fees.
There’s no need for parents to apply for this subsidy. If your child is enrolled in a participating daycare or school (including Chartwell), the discount is automatically applied. This program continues to benefit families for the 2024-25 school year.
Parent Fee Reduction Details
Unlike other programs, your subsidy eligibility under this initiative isn’t determined by household income. Instead, it depends on your child’s age and whether they are enrolled in full- or part-time care.
This program makes childcare more affordable for families, giving children an educational advantage early in life. Previously capped at $350 per month, the subsidy increased by 201% in December 2022 and renewed in 2024-25, now offering up to $900 per child, per month. Additionally, this subsidy can be combined with others, such as the Affordable Childcare Benefit, for further savings.
Contact us to learn more about accessing this subsidy when enrolling your child in a Chartwell Daycare.
Here’s an example of potential savings on full-time childcare in BC:
Rate Category | Group Child Care | Family & In-Home Child Care |
|---|---|---|
Under 36 Months | $900 | $600 |
3 Years to Kindergarten | $545 | $500 |
Kindergarten | $320 | $320 |
Grade 1 to Age 12 | $115 | $145 |
Preschool | $95 | N/A |
The Affordable Child Care Benefit (ACCB)
The ACCB is a BC daycare subsidy program that provides financial support to families with a household income of $111K or less. Eligible families can receive up to $1,250 per child per month, depending on factors such as the child’s age, family size, and the type of care required. Applications for this benefit are submitted directly to the provincial government, and families must renew their eligibility annually.
Are You Eligible for the Affordable Child Care Benefit?
In British Columbia, eligibility for the Affordable Child Care Benefit is determined based on the following criteria.
Criteria :
Maximum Monthly Funding
Group child care / multi-age child care | Funding |
|---|---|
Children under 19 months | $1,250 |
Children 19 months and over but under 37 months | $1,060 |
Children 37 months and over but who have not reached school age | $550 |
Family child care / in-home multi-age child care | --- |
Children under 19 months | $1,250 |
Children 19 months and over but under 37 months | $1,000 |
Children 37 months and over but who have not reached school age
| $550 |
Children of school age | $415 |
Other | --- |
Preschool (children 30 months and over but who have not reached school age) | $225 |
Care surrounding school day (children of school age) | $210 |
What Amount of Funding Are You Eligible for?
Supporting Your Child’s Growth
High-quality early childhood education plays a vital role in fostering children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. It lays a strong and comprehensive foundation for lifelong learning and overall well-being.
Navigating BC daycare subsidies and grant programs can be overwhelming. If you have any questions about the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative or the BC Affordable Child Care Benefit, we’re here to help. Reach out to us anytime!
