In the stressful times of 2021, it’s good to know that you have support, especially when it comes to your child’s education.
Therefore, having an understanding of applying for Alberta’s child care subsidy can help you when times are tough.
Let’s take a look at this application process.
Who Can Apply For Child Care Subsidy in Alberta?
Who is Eligible for the Child Care Subsidy?
The child care subsidy is available to lower and middle-income families, who struggle with the financial burden of sending their children to childcare. It applies to the following educational centres:
- licensed daycares in Calgary, Edmonton and across Alberta
- licensed group family child care
- licensed out-of-school care centres
- approved family day homes
To apply for the subsidy, you must meet the following requirements, as stimulated by the Alberta Government:
- You, your spouse/partner, and children are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada, as well as being Alberta residents
- You or your spouse must be working, looking for work, have special needs or have a child with special needs
- Your child is 12 years of age or younger, has secured a spot at childcare centre in Calgary, Edmonton or Alberta, and not attending Grade 7
- Your total family income is less than $75,000 per year, which will be determined by combining you and your spouse’s income tax from your most recent Notice of Assessment, as issued by Canada Revenue Agency
Types of Child Care Subsidies:
There are two types of child care subsidies available:
The first is the standard “Child care subsidy”, which includes, “eligible families with children 0 to 12 years of age and not yet in Grade 7 to pay child care costs for children enrolled” in licenced daycare centres.
The second is “Extended hours subsidy”, which is where parents need support for their children after the regular hours of 6 am to 6 pm weekdays or weekends. They can receive, in addition to the child care subsidy, an extra $100 per month per child to support them during this time.
For more information on the Child Care Subsidy, click this link here.
How to Apply For The Child Care Subsidy To Get Calgary
The first step in to fill in the online application is to check if you are eligible for the Subsidy. After the application is submitted, your information will be assessed to determine if it meets the criteria.
If you are successful, you will receive a conditional 2-month subsidy, where the Government of Alberta will continue to assess your eligibility. If you do not meet the eligibility initially, you may receive the subsidy once your application is approved.
As stated by the Government: “each subsidy starts at the beginning of the month your completed application is received. You can apply as early as the month before your child is starting child care. For example, if your child’s start date is September 1, you can apply as early as August 1.”
You can submit the application by computer, tablet, or mobile phone, and we’ve provided the link for you right here: Child Care Subsidy Application.
What happens after the first two months?
As the two months come to a close, it is advisable to renew your subsidy application again. Doing it after the end of the timeframe might result in interruptions in your subsidy payments. You should receive a renewal notice to remind you when it is time to reapply.
And if things change?
Notify the Alberta Government if things change. This can include, a change in address, contact information, reasons for care, marital status, number of children and total income.
Get Help From Your Calgary SW Daycare
If you need help with your application, you can always speak to your daycare in Calgary SW. With expertise in daycare subsidies, applications and forms, they can guide you through this process and ensure that your child is enrolled in their education centre.
2000 Days Daycare is the daycare in Calgary SW, where your child will learn, laugh and grow. Our focus is to ensure that the first 2000 days of your child’s life (the most important for development) is maximized. We provide the platform where your child develops the soft skills that can help them communicate effectively, get along with other children, control their emotions, develop self-motivation and help them creatively solve problems. As a family operated and owned SW Calgary daycare centre, we give the extra time, attention and care that your children deserve, so they can develop the skills to excel at school and grow in self-confidence. Feel free to contact us at 403-319-2332 (Extension 1) or book a tour of our Calgary daycare today!