Childcare options and subsidies

In Canada, you are legally responsible for your children up to the age of 18. Both parents are responsible for caring for their children.

There are several kinds of childcare facilities:

• Day-care centres and approved family day homes provide care and learning through play activities for children under the age of six.
• Licensed out-of-school care centres care for children six to 12 years of age. They also may care for children who are at least four-and-a-half years of age and enrolled in an Early Childhood Services program.
• Drop-in centres provide childcare services for parents who need occasional care for their children.
• Nursery schools provide programs for pre-school children.

Day-care centres and out-of-school centres may be located in community centres, shopping malls, schools, office buildings or churches. Family day homes are located in private residences.

Day-care centres, out-of-school centres and family day homes are usually open Monday to Friday from early in the morning until 6 or 7 p.m. Some are open during evening and weekend hours. Out-of-school care centres typically operate before and after school hours and offer full-day care on non-school days.

Depending on the age of your child and your family income, you may be eligible for a child care subsidy.

For more information, visit Alberta Children and Youth Services or contact the Child and Family Services Authority in your area (dial 310-0000 and an operator will connect you). Or call day-care centres, out-of-school care centres and approved family day homes listed under Day-Care Centres in the yellow pages of your telephone book.

Date Updated: Oct 22, 2010
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