Effective September 2008, eligible low- and middle-income families using licensed or approved out-of-school child care for the hours before and after school will be able to receive a subsidy. Eligible families with children in Grades 1-6 will also be able to access the Kin Child Care Funding Program effective September 2008. Kin Child Care helps families pay a non-custodial relative to look after their child(ren) when they are at work or at school.

Applications are now available.

• Subsidy Application Form
• Information Guide to assist with completion of the Subsidy Application Form.

Click here for more information.

What is the Child Care Subsidy Program?

The Child Care Subsidy Program helps eligible low- and middle-income parents with children 12 years and under with the cost of child care.

Where do I send my subsidy form?

Mail or drop off your subsidy application at your local Child and Family Services Authority Office.

Who can apply?

You can apply for a subsidy if:

• You and your spouse/partner are Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents of Canada and live in Alberta.
• You and your spouse/partner are currently working, attending school, looking for work or have special needs.
• Your children are aged (0-12) and are not yet attending Grade 7.
• Your child is attending a licensed day care centre, an approved family day home, a licensed out-of-school care centre, with a direct care provider.
• You or your spouse/partner stay-at-home and have your child(ren) enrolled in a licensed nursery school or approved early childhood development program.

*Parents are responsible for any additional fees.
*Note: Subsidy rates will be increasing by 3.5 per cent for parents using licensed day care centers and approved family day homes effective September 1, 2008.

What information do I need?

You must have the following information available to assist with completion of the application form:

• Copy of identification for each person in the family unit which includes full name and birth date.
• Most current Notice of Assessment from Canada Revenue Agency. If this is not available you need to know your current gross monthly income.
• If you have received child care subsidy in the past you may optionally supply your child care subsidy applicant ID number.
• You must know the name and address of the licensed day care centre, approved family day home agency, direct care providers, licensed out-of-school care centre, licensed nursery school, or early childhood development program your child(ren) will be attending.
• Confirmation of employment. If applying for extended hours, confirmation of your hours of work for your employer is needed.

What documents will I have to provide?

Documents to be provided by all new applicants:
- A copy of identification for each person in the family unit which includes full name and birthdate.
 - Proof of Alberta residency.
- A copy of the applicant/co-applicant's most current Notice of Assessment from Canada Revenue Agency or three (3) months of current pay slips.

Documents to be provided by stay-at-home applicants:
- A copy of your registration at the licensed nursery school or an approved early childhood development program with the program start and end dates along with all receipts.

Documents to be provided if applying for "Extended Hours" subsidy:
- If applying for extended hours, confirmation of your hours of work from your employer is needed.

Documents to be provided if reason for care is "Work":
- Confirmation of Employment: Three (3) months of recent pay stubs OR for new employment, submit evidence confirming job offer and including company name, employee details and start date.
- If applying for extended hours subsidy, confirmation from your employer that your work schedule includes hours outside of the regular business work day of Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Documents to be provided if reason for care is "Student":
- Student proof of enrolment.
- If applying for Extended Hours Subsidy, confirmation of your class schedule.

Documents to be provided if reason for care is "Special Needs" ( for parent or child):
- Letter from a medical doctor, psychologist, social worker or other qualified professional who is not associated with the child care service, which details the reason for child care.

Documents to be provided if reason for care is "Looking for Work":
- Income Support evidence from Alberta Works.

How is my information used and kept confidential?

Applicant information is collected on a subsidy application form or from the child care subsidy online Internet system under the authority of the Government Organization Act and in compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

The information is used for subsidy assessment purposes and certain non-financial information may be used to support the Ministry's federal cost recovery claims. The collection of information for the purposes of determining eligibility for subsidy is in compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Children and Youth Services may contact Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, employers, financial institutions, and federal and provincial government departments, when directly related to and necessary for determining subsidy eligibility.

Please click here for the complete Child Care Subsidy Program (CCSP) Policy Manual and Applications User Guide