Global Major Cities Guide

An overview of child care options, subsidies, and resources available in Calgary to support families with young children.

Sections

1. Benefits of Child Care in Calgary

Child care in Calgary offers numerous advantages for families, including:

Early Childhood Development: Licensed child care centers and preschools in Calgary provide structured programs that promote cognitive, social, and emotional development in children.
Parental Support: Access to child care allows parents to pursue employment, education, or training opportunities.
Socialization Opportunities: Children interact with peers, which helps develop communication and social skills.
Government Subsidies: Alberta offers financial assistance to make child care more affordable for families.

2. Types of Child Care Available in Calgary

Calgary offers a range of child care options to suit different family needs:

Daycare Centers: Licensed facilities offering full-day care for children aged 0-5.
Preschools: Programs focused on early learning for children aged 3-5, often part-time.
Out-of-School Care: Before- and after-school programs for children aged 6-12.
Family Day Homes: Licensed or private child care provided in a caregiver’s home.
Drop-In Child Care: Flexible, short-term care for parents needing occasional support.

3. Costs of Child Care in Calgary

Child care costs in Calgary vary depending on the type of care, the child’s age, and the facility. On average:

Infant Care (0-18 months): $1,200–$1,500 per month.
Toddler Care (19 months–3 years): $1,000–$1,300 per month.
Preschool Care (3–5 years): $900–$1,200 per month.
Out-of-School Care: $500–$700 per month.

These costs can be significantly reduced through government subsidies and grants.

4. Child Care Subsidies in Calgary

The Alberta government provides subsidies to help families afford child care. Below are the key programs:

a. Alberta Child Care Subsidy

Eligibility: Families with children aged 0-12 attending licensed child care programs. Eligibility is based on household income.
Income Threshold: Families earning up to $180,000 annually may qualify for subsidies.
Subsidy Amount: Varies based on income and type of care. For example:
- Up to $266/month for out-of-school care.
- Up to $450/month for licensed daycare or family day homes.
How to Apply:
1. Visit the Alberta Child Care Subsidy website.
2. Create a MyAlberta Digital ID account.
3. Complete the online application and upload required documents (e.g., proof of income, child care provider information).
4. Wait for approval (processing typically takes 2-4 weeks).

b. Affordability Grant

Overview: This is a direct grant provided to licensed child care providers to reduce fees for all families, regardless of income.
Benefit: Families automatically receive a discount on their monthly child care fees (e.g., $450/month for infants, $106/month for out-of-school care).
How It Works: No application is required. The discount is applied directly to your child care bill if your provider participates in the program.

5. How to Choose a Child Care Provider

When selecting a child care provider in Calgary, consider the following:

Licensing: Ensure the provider is licensed and adheres to Alberta’s child care regulations.
Location: Choose a facility close to home or work for convenience.
Program Quality: Look for programs with qualified staff, a low child-to-caregiver ratio, and a focus on early learning.
Parent Reviews: Seek recommendations from other parents or check online reviews.
Visit the Facility: Schedule a tour to assess cleanliness, safety, and the overall environment.

You can search for licensed child care providers in Calgary using the Alberta Child Care Lookup Tool.

6. Local Resources for Parents in Calgary

Calgary offers several resources to support parents in navigating child care and parenting:

Calgary Child Care Resource Centre: Provides information and referrals to child care services. Visit their website or call for assistance.
Calgary Public Library: Offers free programs for children, including storytime, early literacy activities, and parenting workshops.
Parent Link Centres: These centers provide parenting resources, developmental screening, and family support services. While the provincial Parent Link program has been replaced by Family Resource Networks, similar services are still available in Calgary.
Family Resource Networks (FRNs): Funded by the Alberta government, FRNs offer parenting programs, peer support, and child development resources. Contact your local FRN for details.

7. Cultural Considerations

Calgary is a multicultural city, and many child care providers are sensitive to the diverse needs of families. Some facilities offer:

Language-Specific Programs: Child care centers that incorporate languages such as French, Mandarin, or Punjabi.
Cultural Awareness: Programs that celebrate cultural diversity through activities, holidays, and inclusive practices.
Special Needs Support: Many licensed providers offer inclusive care for children with disabilities or developmental delays.

8. Tips for Parents

Plan Ahead: Child care spaces in Calgary can be competitive, especially for infants. Start your search early.
Budget Carefully: Factor in child care costs and potential subsidies when planning your finances.
Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with changes to government programs and subsidies.
Network with Other Parents: Join local parenting groups or online forums to share experiences and recommendations.

9. Emergency and Backup Child Care

For parents needing last-minute care, Calgary has options such as:

Drop-In Daycares: Facilities offering flexible, short-term care.
Nanny Services: Agencies providing on-demand babysitting or nanny services.
Community Support: Some community centers and churches offer occasional child care during events or programs.

By leveraging the resources and benefits available in Calgary, parents can find affordable, high-quality child care that meets their family’s needs. If you have further questions or need assistance with a specific aspect of child care in Calgary, feel free to ask!