EXCERPTS
Applications are open for $50 million in funding in 2022-23 for non-profit groups interested in creating new child-care spaces and providing child care in a licensed child-care program in Alberta.
“Affordable, high-quality child care is an important part of our economic recovery. This funding will help parents go back to school or work with the knowledge that their kids are safe, happy and learning. We’re working with provincial partners, communities and child-care operators to create new child-care spaces across the province, especially in rural and remote areas.”
Matt Jones, Minister of Children’s Services
“Every child deserves the best start in life. Additional licensed child-care spaces will allow more Alberta families and children across the province to access high-quality, affordable, flexible and inclusive early learning and child care.”
Karina Gould, federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
The $50 million is being invested to increase the number of non-profit child-care spaces especially in communities with limited or no licensed child care, or in communities where there is a high demand for service.
This funding is provided through the Alberta Canada Early Learning and Child Care agreement. The made-in-Alberta agreement invests $3.8 billion of federal funding over five years to strengthen child care for families by improving access to quality child care and lowering fees for parents with children kindergarten-aged and younger who access licensed child care.
Applications can be made through the Alberta Purchasing Connection website.
Quick facts
- The Alberta Canada Early Learning and Child Care agreement was signed in November 2021. It includes a target to create 42,500 additional spaces in non-profit child-care programs by the end of March 2026.
- Alberta has committed to creating 10,000 new non-profit spaces this year.
- Between November 2021 and March 2022, more than 1,800 new non-profit spaces have been created in licensed programs that support children from birth to kindergarten.
- Budget 2022 includes $197 million for child-care quality and worker supports. This includes funding to support licensed programs and certified early childhood educators.