Child Care Costs in Alberta in 2026

    Which province or territory are you in?

    Daily fee
    $15
    About a month
    $326.25
    About a year
    $3,915

    A flat $15 a day since April 1, 2025: $326.25 a month full-time, $230 a month part-time.

    Who qualifies

    Children of Kindergarten age or younger who attend more than 50 hours a month in a program that receives affordability funding. Full-time (100 or more hours a month) is $326.25. Part-time (50 to 99 hours) is $230. Children in full-time Kindergarten or older are not eligible.

    Subsidy

    Out-of-school care for Kindergarten to Grade 6 is not on the flat fee. The Child Care Subsidy Program may reduce it.

    How to apply

    Ask your licensed provider. For help call Alberta Supports at 1-877-644-9992 or Childcare Connect at 1-844-644-5165.

    Extras

    • Licensed preschool programs receive up to $100 per child per month in affordability funding.
    What you can claim
    1. Canada Child Benefit: up to $8,157 a year for each child under 6 and up to $6,883 for ages 6 to 17 (July 2026 to June 2027), based on family income.

    2. Child Disability Benefit: up to $3,480 a year for each eligible child. It needs the Disability Tax Credit.

    3. Child care expenses deduction: you can usually deduct what you pay for child care so you can work or study. Claim it on line 21400 with form T778. The limits depend on the child's age and disability, and the lower-income spouse usually claims it. Keep every receipt. Check the current limits:

    4. Canada Education Savings Grant (RESP): the government adds 20% on the first $2,500 you put in each year, so up to $500 a year, to $7,200 for each child over a lifetime. Lower-income families can get up to $600 a year.

    5. Canada Learning Bond: $500 in the first eligible year and $100 a year after that up to age 15, to a $2,000 maximum, with no contribution needed. For children born on or after January 1, 2004 in lower-income families.

    6. Canadian Dental Care Plan: families under an income limit may qualify for dental coverage for children. Check eligibility:

    These programs have their own income tests. Check each official page before you rely on a figure.

    Compare with

    Sources

    Checked October 19, 2026. Education, not financial or legal advice.