Research Report: Impact of Affordability Funding Changes on Lower-Income Families and Access to Regulated Child Care
The Council for Early Learning and Care is pleased to share a new research report prepared by The Muttart Foundation, in partnership with the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Alberta and the Alberta Early Learning and Care Leaders’ Caucus. This timely analysis examines the impacts of recent changes to child care affordability funding in Alberta, particularly on lower-income families and their access to regulated early learning and child care.
Effective April 1, 2025, Alberta’s child care funding model underwent significant changes, including the implementation of a flat-rate parent fee, the elimination of the child care subsidy, and the introduction of optional supplemental fees for additional services. The report explores how these shifts have affected families’ out-of-pocket costs and participation in regulated child care, drawing on provider and family experiences during the early months of the new funding approach.
Key findings highlight increases in parent-paid fees for lower-income families and considerations for strengthening affordability to support equitable access to regulated care.
