BC Daycare Subsidy & Early
Childhood Education Grants
Quality early childhood education should be accessible, and the path to enrollment should be clear. Below you'll find what programs are available, how much you may save, and how to apply.
Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative
(CCFRI)
The Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative is a provincially funded program that provides funding directly to eligible, licensed childcare providers — including Kinder Roots — to reduce monthly fees for families. Parents can save up to $900 per child, per month on tuition.
You do not need to apply. If your child is enrolled at a participating Kinder Roots Academy, the fee reduction is applied automatically to your monthly fees. CCFRI can be combined with the Affordable Child Care Benefit for additional savings.
Parent Fee Reduction Amounts
Your eligible subsidy amount is not based on family household income, unlike other programs. It is based on the age of your child and whether they're in full- or part-time care.
This will help more families afford the childcare they need and help their children get an educational head-start in life. Outdated stat from four years ago, reaching a maximum of $900 per child, per month. Families can also combine this with other childcare subsidies they qualify for, including the Affordable Childcare Benefit
Ask us about receiving this subsidy when you enroll your child in a Kinder Roots Academy Early Learning Centre.
Here is an example of how much you can save on full-time BC childcare:
| CARE CATEGORY | GROUP CHILD CARE | FAMILY/IN-HOME CHILD CARE |
|---|---|---|
| Infant and Toddler (under 36 months) | $900 | $600 |
| Ages 3 to Kindergarten | $545 | $500 |
| Preschool | $95 | N/A |
| Kindergarten | $320 | $320 |
| Grade 1 to Age 12 | $115 | $145 |
Amounts shown are for full-time care. Part-time care is pro-rated. Fee reductions do not cover optional fees. Children over age 12 enrolled at a participating facility with an exemption are included in the Grade 1 to Age 12 category.
The Affordable Child Care Benefit (ACCB)
The Affordable Child Care Benefit is an income-tested program that provides additional monthly funding to eligible families. Families with a household income of up to $111,000 may qualify for up to $1,250 per child, per month for licensed group child care. Families earning above $111,000 may still qualify if they have deductions for family size or children with support needs.
You apply directly to the provincial government and need to renew your application each year. This benefit can be combined with CCFRI savings.
Do You Qualify For The Affordable Child Care Benefit?
QUALIFICATION
In British Columbia, specific criteria are used to check if a family
qualifies for the Affordable Child Care Benefit. Criteria includes:
– A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, Convention refugee, or person in need of protection
The applicant must provide a Social Insurance Number (SIN) for the parent and spouse (if applicable). If the SIN does not begin with a number 1 through 7, additional documentation is required.
Not eligible: Non-licensed care by a family member in the same household, licensed occasional or drop-in care, and recreational care.
– Working or self-employed
– Attending school or a training program
– Participating in an employment program
– Actively looking for work (one parent or guardian only)
– Living with a medical condition that interferes with your ability to care for your child
– Your child is attending a licensed preschool program
– Child care is arranged or recommended by a Ministry of Children and Family Development social worker or an Indigenous Child and Family Services Agency
– Up to $111,000: Families earning up to $111,000 per year generally qualify
– Above $111,000: Families may still qualify with deductions for family size or children with support needs:
– Family size deduction: Income is reduced by $2,000 for each family member beyond the first two
– Support needs deduction: Income is reduced by $3,000 for each child with support needs
Maximum benefit is available at adjusted incomes up to $45,000 for licensed child care. Partial benefits are available at higher adjusted incomes.
– A child care provider must be selected before you apply
– Benefits must be renewed yearly, or when there is a change in your qualifying reason
– Apply or renew through My Family Services online or by paper application form (CF2900)
Our team is happy to help you navigate the application process. Contact your Academy Director or reach out to us directly.
SAVINGS CALCULATIONS
The amount you receive depends on your child's age and the type of care. The tables below show the maximum monthly benefit for each category. Your actual amount may be lower based on income.
Licensed Group Child Care / Multi-Age Child Care
| Age of Child | Max Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| Under 19 months | $1,250 |
| 19 months or over but under 37 months | $1,060 |
| 37 months or over, not yet school age | $550 |
| School age | $415 |
Licensed Family Child Care / In-Home Multi-Age Child Care
| Age of Child | Max Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| Under 19 months | $1,000 |
| 19 months or over but under 37 months | $1,000 |
| 37 months or over, not yet school age | $550 |
| School age | $415 |
Other Care Types
| Care Type | Max Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| Licensed Preschool (29 months or over, not yet school age) | $225 |
| Care Surrounding a School Day (school age) | $210 |
School age means the child will have reached age 5 on or before December 31 of that school year. If your child is school age but not enrolled in school, you may be eligible for full-day rates. Funding is prorated for part-time care. The ACCB benefit cannot exceed the fee charged by the child care provider.
How Is Your Funding Calculated?
AVAILABLE FUNDING
We’re Here to Help
We know that subsidy programs can feel complicated. Our team will walk you through the process and help you understand what you may qualify for. Reach out anytime.
