It is important to explore all of the child care options available for your family and find one that best suits your family's needs. The Governent of Alberta has a Child Care Lookup tool for licensed child care programs which you can access here. You may also explore our resource platform using the search term "Daycare/Childcare" to find options available in your area.

Childcare Options

In Alberta, there are two recognized forms of child care: licensed and unlicensed child care.

Licensed Child Care

Licensed child care programs are monitored and inspected by the Alberta government. Licensed programs include:

  • daycares
  • out-of-school care
  • preschool
  • licensed day home agencies

Unlicensed Child Care

Unlicensed child care programs are not monitored or inspected by the Alberta government and provide child care for up to 6 children, not including their own at any given time. Unlicensed programs include:

  • nannies
  • private day homes
  • arrangements with friends, family, etc.

Considerations

If a child has a disability, there are a few things to consider when accessing child care support.

Access FSCD Funding

FSCD can support eligible families with the extraordinary and additional costs of the following child care options while the guardian is at work, at school or attending training sessions:

  • extraordinary portion of work related child care (under 13)
  • work-related child care (over 13)
  • additional space in day homes
  • domestic child care - this is a sevice that is offered to families with multiple services combined for ease of billing which can include childcare, respite, housekeeping, sibling care, and personal care.

Child Care Subsidy

The Government of Alberta provides a child care subsidy to help low-income families cover the costs of licensed daycare centers or approved day homes. For more information on Alberta's childcare subsidy, please click here.

Inclusive Child Care

Inclusive child care settings may also be available. These spaces may have more support and resources available to meet the needs of children with disabilities.