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Alberta Child Care Grant Funding Program
Funding for Alberta child care workforce supports
Last Update: June 5, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : February 3, 2026
Location
Alberta, Canada
Overview
This program supports licensed Alberta child care providers with wage top-ups, professional development, release time and mandatory employer contribution funding. Wage top-ups are paid monthly up to a maximum of 181 hours, and professional development support is available for approved tuition, textbooks, conferences and workshops.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Attract or retain talent
- Obtain certifications or accreditations
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : February 3, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Alberta
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Social Services
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Recruitment, retention and professional development support for child care staff
- Wage enhancement for eligible certified ECEs
- Training and skills development for eligible staff
Documents Needed
- Professional Development Funding Request Form
- Proof of payment for eligible training
- Proof of completion for eligible training
- Claim submission records in the Child Care Licensing Portal
- Signed grant agreement
Official resources
Program guide
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Licensed daycare programs
- Licensed preschool programs
- Licensed out-of-school care programs
- Licensed family day home agencies
Who is not eligible
- Programs outside Alberta
- Unlicensed child care providers
- Volunteers and unpaid individuals
- Educators working as independent contractors, except contracted family day home educators
Eligible expenses
- Wage top-ups for eligible certified ECEs
- Approved post-secondary tuition and textbooks
- Approved conference and workshop fees
- Release time related to approved training
- Mandatory employer contribution costs related to wage top-ups
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Accommodation, meals and travel costs
- Membership fees and subscriptions
- Coaching, consulting and assessment services
- First-aid training and food safety courses
- Non-approved courses, workshops or conferences
Eligible geographic areas
- Alberta
How to apply
- Step 1
- Review the funding guide.
- Step 2
- Log in to the Child Care Licensing Portal with the program’s legal representative or Super Admin account.
- Step 3
- Review and sign the grant agreement online.
- Step 4
- Submit monthly claims through the portal for wage top-up and mandatory employer contribution funding.
- Step 5
- Submit the Professional Development Funding Request Form for professional development and release time funding.
Processing and Agreement
- The program signs a grant agreement in the Child Care Licensing Portal before funding is approved.
- Professional development requests are assessed by the program.
- Applicants receive written notice of approval or an explanation if funding is not approved.
- Claims are reviewed before payment is issued.
- Adjustment requests may be submitted through the portal if errors are found after submission.
Additional information
- This program was replaced on April 1, 2026 by the Early Childhood Educator Workforce Supports Program.
- Funding is administered through the Child Care Licensing Portal.
- A signed grant agreement is required before funding can be received.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Alberta Child Care Grant Funding Program Program
What is the Alberta Child Care Grant Funding Program?
This program supports licensed Alberta child care providers with wage top-ups, professional development, release time and mandatory employer contribution funding. Wage top-ups are paid monthly up to a maximum of 181 hours, and professional development support is available for approved tuition, textbooks, conferences and workshops.
Who is eligible for the Alberta Child Care Grant Funding Program program?
To be eligible for the Alberta Child Care Grant Funding Program program, you must:
Licensed child care provider
Signed grant agreement required
Certified ECE staff
What expenses are eligible under Alberta Child Care Grant Funding Program?
Recruitment, retention and professional development support for child care staff
Wage enhancement for eligible certified ECEs
Training and skills development for eligible staff
Who can I contact for more information about the Alberta Child Care Grant Funding Program?
You can contact Alberta Ministry of Community and Social Services.
Where is the Alberta Child Care Grant Funding Program available?
The Alberta Child Care Grant Funding Program program is available the province of Alberta.
Is the Alberta Child Care Grant Funding Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Alberta Child Care Grant Funding Program is a Wage Subsidies And Interns
Who are the financial supporters of the Alberta Child Care Grant Funding Program?
Alberta Child Care Grant Funding Program is funded by Alberta Ministry of Community and Social Services