A number of Government initiatives exist to help reduce child care costs for parents in BC. At Kinderbees, we are committed to participating in funding initiatives that help families and are continuously monitoring developments in funding for child care at the Provincial and Federal levels.
Here are some details about funding programs currently available and how they work:
CHILD CARE FEE REDUCTION INITIATIVE
What?
The Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative aims to reduce childcare costs overall throughout the Province by offering funding to licensed childcare providers to reduce and stabilize monthly childcare fees.
Who?
The funding reduces childcare fees for all parents based on a schedule set by the Province.
How?
Eligible child care providers apply to the program. Funding is provided directly to the child care provider on a monthly basis and fees paid by parents are reduced by the same amount.
Rates
Approved licensed group child care providers receive the following amounts to reduce parent fees for full-time care:
- $350/month for group infant/toddler care;
- $100/month for group care for children aged 3 to Kindergarten.
Part-time care receives a pro-rated amount.
AFFORDABLE CHILD CARE BENEFIT
What?
The Affordable Child Care Benefit provides funding to families based on factors including income and family size.
Who?
Generally, families that earn up to $111,000 may qualify for funding. In certain cases, families earning more than $111,000 may quality. Other requirements also apply.
How?
Families complete the application form. Families need to renew their application annually. Funding is provided directly to the child care provider and parents pay the balance of the child care fees (after the child care fee reduction, if applicable).
Rates
Rates are dependent on individual family situations and are determined by the Province. Maximum funding rates for Licensed Child Care can be found here.
YOUNG PARENT PROGRAM
What?
The Young Parent Program provides funding to help pay for childcare while they finish high school. The program provides funding and can assist in finding a childcare space close to the school they are attending.
Who?
The program is available for people meeting the following eligibility criteria;
- Be a resident of B.C.;
- Be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, a Convention refugee or a person in need of protection;
- Be under the age of 25;
- Have a child that was born on or before the parent’s 20th birthday;
- Be participating in an education program for the purpose of completing Grade 12;
- Have their child enrolled in a licensed child care facility that is operating an approved Young Parent Program.
How?
Parents apply via the Child Care Service Centre.
Rate
Up to $1,500 per month per child.