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.
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1. Residency and status in CanadaA parent or guardian must meet the following requirements: Be a resident of British Columbia with a valid B.C. address. Hold Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, Convention refugee status, or be classified as a person in need of protection. Submit a completed application to the ministry, including the Social Insurance Number (SIN) of both the parent and their spouse (if applicable). If the SIN does not start with a number between 1 and 7, additional documentation verifying legal status in Canada will be required.
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2. Type of CareMost childcare options are eligible for this benefit. For details on funding rates, visit the Rates and Understanding Payments page. You can also use the Affordable Child Care Benefit Estimator to calculate your potential funding eligibility. However, certain types of care are not covered, including non-licensed childcare provided by a family member living in your household, licensed occasional or drop-in care, and recreational care.
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3. Qualifying reason for child careParents must present a valid reason for requiring childcare from the following options: Employment or self-employment Enrollment in an educational program Participation in a job training or employment program Actively seeking employment (applies to one parent or guardian only) Managing a medical condition that limits your ability to care for your child Enrolling your child in a licensed preschool program Childcare arranged or recommended by a social worker from the Ministry of Children and Family Development or an Indigenous Child and Family Services Agency Childcare arranged or recommended by an authorized staff member under Indigenous law to provide child and family services.
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4. IncomeThe Affordable Child Care Benefit is an income-tested program, where eligibility is determined by your annual income after deductions or adjustments. Typically, families earning up to $111,000 may qualify for funding. Those with higher incomes may still apply if they have significant deductions, such as for family size or children with additional support needs. Learn more about sharing your income details with the Ministry of Education and Child Care. Income testing may not apply to families caring for a child under an agreement outlined in the Child, Family and Community Service Act or Indigenous law.
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5. Application dateSubmit your application for funding by the end of the month in which child care begins. For instance, if your child care starts on September 1, ensure you apply by September 30.
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6. RenewalBenefits must be renewed annually or whenever there is a change in the qualifying reason for needing child care. You can renew using My Family Services or by completing the Application Form (CF2900) (PDF).
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?
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1. Residency and status in CanadaA parent or guardian must meet the following requirements: Be a resident of British Columbia with a valid B.C. address. Hold Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, Convention refugee status, or be classified as a person in need of protection. Submit a completed application to the ministry, including the Social Insurance Number (SIN) of both the parent and their spouse (if applicable). If the SIN does not start with a number between 1 and 7, additional documentation verifying legal status in Canada will be required.
-
2. Type of CareMost childcare options are eligible for this benefit. For details on funding rates, visit the Rates and Understanding Payments page. You can also use the Affordable Child Care Benefit Estimator to calculate your potential funding eligibility. However, certain types of care are not covered, including non-licensed childcare provided by a family member living in your household, licensed occasional or drop-in care, and recreational care.
-
3. Qualifying reason for child careParents must present a valid reason for requiring childcare from the following options: Employment or self-employment Enrollment in an educational program Participation in a job training or employment program Actively seeking employment (applies to one parent or guardian only) Managing a medical condition that limits your ability to care for your child Enrolling your child in a licensed preschool program Childcare arranged or recommended by a social worker from the Ministry of Children and Family Development or an Indigenous Child and Family Services Agency Childcare arranged or recommended by an authorized staff member under Indigenous law to provide child and family services.
-
4. IncomeThe Affordable Child Care Benefit is an income-tested program, where eligibility is determined by your annual income after deductions or adjustments. Typically, families earning up to $111,000 may qualify for funding. Those with higher incomes may still apply if they have significant deductions, such as for family size or children with additional support needs. Learn more about sharing your income details with the Ministry of Education and Child Care. Income testing may not apply to families caring for a child under an agreement outlined in the Child, Family and Community Service Act or Indigenous law.
-
5. Application dateSubmit your application for funding by the end of the month in which child care begins. For instance, if your child care starts on September 1, ensure you apply by September 30.
-
6. RenewalBenefits must be renewed annually or whenever there is a change in the qualifying reason for needing child care. You can renew using My Family Services or by completing the Application Form (CF2900) (PDF).
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!
