Government of BC Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative
Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
The Government of BC Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative web page, with information for families and providers, was updated on August 27, 2024.
For 2024-25 Child Care Operating Funding and Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative renewals:
Participating providers can no longer charge waitlist and waitlist-related fees.
The Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative now aligns with the BC School Superintendents Association (BCSSA) regional chapters.
Technology solutions will automate and streamline the review and approval process.
Families do not need to apply. Providers opt in to receive funding when they apply for Child Care Operating Funding.
Please note that Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative resources and tools have been updated. To find providers participating in the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative, please refer to the CCFRI Estimator or Child Care Map.
Participation in the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative is optional and eligible providers can apply at any time during the funding term. Families and child care providers can contact the Child Care Service Centre at 1-888-338-6622 (Option 2) for information about a provider’s application.
Providers opting in to the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative are not required to reduce their fees for families until they receive written approval from the ministry. Any reduction in fees passed on to families prior to receiving approval is at the provider’s sole responsibility.
There are information links on the web page for Families and for Providers. The Family link provides information on the following:
New for 2024 (as outlined at the beginning of this article).
Eligibility
Estimate your child care fee savings (with link to savings calculator)
Full-time rates
Part-time rates
Other child care fees and fee increases (deposits; additional services such as meals or pick-up and drop-off service; fee increases or changes in operating hours
FAQs include:
What is the $200 minimum parent fee?
What happens if the maximum rates result in our fees being lower than the minimum parent fee?
What happens if my fees are already at or below the minimum parent fee?
Why can participating providers charge different rates? Doesn’t that result in some families getting less of a reduction?
Where can I learn more about inclusive child care?
Translation services are available by phone in more than 140 languages at Toll-free: 1-888-228-6622. In-person assistance is available at: