Child Care Operating Funding - Base Funding
BC, Canada
Financial support for BC family and group child-care providers
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateApril 08, 2020
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Health care and social assistance
grant_single|grantors
- Government of British Columbia
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
You could get payments to help with the day-to-day costs of running your facility. Rates are dependent on your licence and service type (group, family, in-home multi-age or multi-age) and the number of children in your care.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Child Care Operating Funding (CCOF) Base Funding assists with the day-to-day costs of running a child care facility. This funding is available for licensed family and group child care providers who meet specific criteria.
- Operating costs for licensed family and group child care facilities
- Providing services to families receiving the Affordable Child Care Benefit
- Supporting an inclusive environment for all children, including those with extra support needs
- Maintaining services during unplanned temporary closures due to external emergencies
- Continuing to pay staff wages during unplanned temporary closures
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$12,000
Implementing an inclusive music program for children at Sunshine Daycare
$15,000
Purchasing educational materials and toys for children at Little Sprouts Daycare
$20,000
Expanding outdoor activities at Greenfield Child Care Center by creating a new garden area
$28,000
Renovation of indoor play area at Happy Kids Childcare to comply with new safety regulations
$24,000
Enhancing security systems at Kiddie Care to ensure child safety
$40,000
Updating playground equipment to improve safety and inclusivity at Maple Leaf Child Care Center
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The Child Care Operating Funding (CCOF) Base Funding assists eligible licensed family and group child care providers with the day-to-day costs of running a facility. To be eligible to receive CCOF Base Funding, providers must meet certain criteria.
- Have a valid Community Care and Assisted Living Act Facility Licence (Note: Funding is not available for occasional child care, child minding, residential care or recreational care)
- Be open and currently providing child care
- Be in good standing with the Ministry of Education and Child Care and, if registered, with BC Registries and Online Services
- Agree to provide services to families receiving the Affordable Child Care Benefit
- Make every reasonable effort to provide an inclusive and supportive environment for all children, including children with extra support needs
- Complete the annual Provider Profile Survey
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Child Care Operating Funding (CCOF) Base Funding is available to support licensed family and group child care providers in British Columbia with their day-to-day operational costs. Eligible providers must meet specific criteria to qualify for the funding.
- Licensed family and group child care providers.
- Must have a valid Community Care and Assisted Living Act Facility Licence.
- Currently open and providing child care services.
- In good standing with the Ministry of Education and Child Care and, if registered, with BC Registries and Online Services.
- Agree to provide services to families receiving the Affordable Child Care Benefit.
- Committed to making every reasonable effort to provide an inclusive and supportive environment for all children, including those with extra support needs.
- Complete the annual Provider Profile Survey.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Certain types of child care providers are not eligible for the Child Care Operating Funding (CCOF) Base Funding.
- Occasional child care providers
- Child minding services
- Residential care providers
- Recreational care providers
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible expenses for the Child Care Operating Funding (CCOF) Base Funding include the day-to-day costs of running a child care facility. Providers must be open and currently providing child care to access these funds.
- Valid Community Care and Assisted Living Act Facility Licence
- Expenses associated with temporary closures due to emergencies
- Costs maintaining compliance with the Ministry of Education and Child Care
- Included services to families receiving the Affordable Child Care Benefit
- Supporting an inclusive environment for all children
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
There are no specific geographic zones mentioned for eligibility in this grant.
- Providers must have a valid Community Care and Assisted Living Act Facility Licence in British Columbia.
- Providers must be in good standing with the Ministry of Education and Child Care and, if registered, with BC Registries and Online Services.
grant_single_labels|criteria
Applicants for Child Care Operating Funding Base Funding must meet eligibility requirements including holding a valid facility licence, being in good standing with the Ministry of Education, and providing services to families receiving the Affordable Child Care Benefit.
- Hold a valid Community Care and Assisted Living Act Facility Licence
- Be open and currently providing child care
- Agree to provide services to families receiving the Affordable Child Care Benefit
- Make efforts to provide an inclusive environment for all children
- Complete the annual Provider Profile Survey
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Ensure eligibility
- Have a valid Community Care and Assisted Living Act Facility Licence
- Be open and currently providing child care
- Be in good standing with the Ministry of Education and Child Care and, if registered, with BC Registries and Online Services
- Agree to provide services to families receiving the Affordable Child Care Benefit
- Make every reasonable effort to provide an inclusive and supportive environment for all children, including children with extra support needs
- Complete the annual Provider Profile Survey
- Step 2: Calculate funding
- Estimate your monthly CCOF Base Funding payment by multiplying the applicable rate for your licence and service type by the number of enrolled children reported on your Monthly Enrolment Report
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The Child Care Operating Funding (CCOF) program provides financial support to eligible licensed family and group child care providers in British Columbia. The support is aimed at assisting with day-to-day operational costs and ensuring services remain accessible and affordable for families.
- Funding is not available for occasional child care, child minding, residential care, or recreational care.
- Providers must agree to offer services to families receiving the Affordable Child Care Benefit.
- Efforts must be made to provide an inclusive and supportive environment for all children, including those with extra support needs.
- Funding may be provided during temporary closures due to emergencies outside the provider's control, such as natural disasters or government-ordered evacuations.
- For emergency closures, providers need to contact the ministry with specific details such as closure date, expected reopen date, and type of funding requested.
- Rates differ based on the type of license and whether the facility is in a personal residence, with higher rates for in-home multi-age care due to the Early Childhood Educator credential recognition.
- Providers can estimate their funding based on monthly enrolment and the specific rates for their license type and service duration (i.e., 4 hours or less vs. more than 4 hours).
- Contact information for CCOF support includes a toll-free number and a local phone number for Victoria, with extended service hours on Thursdays.
- Providers can use the Child Care Web Application to update facility information or available child care spaces on the Child Care Map.
grant_single_labels|contact
CCOF@gov.bc.ca
2503566501
Apply to this program
Child Care Operating Funding (CCOF) Base Funding Summary
The Child Care Operating Funding (CCOF) Base Funding is designed to help eligible licensed family and group child care providers in British Columbia manage the day-to-day expenses of running a facility. This program ensures consistent fee reductions for parents and supports an inclusive environment for all children, including those with extra support needs.
Understanding the Child Care Operating Funding (CCOF) Base Funding
The Child Care Operating Funding (CCOF) Base Funding initiative is an essential program supported by the Government of British Columbia. It plays a critical role in maintaining the financial stability of licensed child care providers, fostering accessibility, and ensuring that parents can afford high-quality care for their children. This detailed guide aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the CCOF Base Funding, who qualifies for it, and how to apply for this critical support.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for CCOF Base Funding, providers must meet several key criteria. These include possessing a valid Community Care and Assisted Living Act Facility Licence and being open and actively providing child care services. Providers must also be in good standing with the Ministry of Education and Child Care. Additionally, they must agree to provide services to families receiving the Affordable Child Care Benefit and make every reasonable effort to support an inclusive environment for all children, including those with extra support needs.
Funding During Emergency Closures
The CCOF Base Funding provides financial support even during emergency closures. Eligible circumstances for continued funding include unplanned closures due to evacuation orders, natural disasters, or other external circumstances beyond the provider's control. It's important to note that closures originating within the facility or preventable emergencies are not eligible for funding. Providers must email the necessary closure details to CCOF@gov.bc.ca for review and potential funding approval.
Monthly Enrolment Reporting and Funding Rates
Providers must regularly report the number of enrolled children to receive their monthly CCOF Base Funding. This ensures transparency and allows the Ministry to accurately calculate the funding amounts based on enrolment figures. The funding rates vary based on the type of license and the hours of care provided.
Group Child Care Rates
For providers with a Group or Multi-Age Licence for more than eight children, or if the facility is not in the licensee’s personal residence, the rates are as follows:
- Under 36 months: $6.00 for 4 hours or less, $12.00 for more than 4 hours
- 3 years to Kindergarten: $2.74 for 4 hours or less, $5.48 for more than 4 hours
- Grade 1 to 12 years: $1.40 for 4 hours or less, $2.80 for more than 4 hours
- Preschool: $1.37 regardless of hours
Family Child Care Rates
For a Family Licence involving seven or fewer children in the licensee's personal residence, the funding rates are as follows:
- Under 36 months: $1.85 for 4 hours or less, $3.70 for more than 4 hours
- 3 years to Kindergarten: $1.41 for 4 hours or less, $2.82 for more than 4 hours
- Grade 1 to 12 years: $0.73 for 4 hours or less, $1.46 for more than 4 hours
In-Home Multi-Age & Multi-Age Child Care Rates
For providers with an In-Home Multi-Age or Multi-Age Child Care Licence for eight or fewer children in the licensee’s residence, the rates are 20% higher than the Family Child Care rates due to the Early Childhood Educator credential. The rates are:
- Under 36 months: $2.22 for 4 hours or less, $4.44 for more than 4 hours
- 3 years to Kindergarten: $1.69 for 4 hours or less, $3.38 for more than 4 hours
- Grade 1 to 12 years: $0.88 for 4 hours or less, $1.75 for more than 4 hours
Application and Renewal Process
To receive CCOF Base Funding, providers must apply or renew annually. This involves completing an online application through the Child Care Web Application portal. Providers need to regularly update their facility information and available child care spaces to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Emergency Funding and Reporting Procedures
During an emergency closure, providers are eligible for CCOF Base Funding if specific conditions are met. Providers must report the closure by emailing CCOF@gov.bc.ca with essential details such as the name of the child care center, facility ID, closure date, expected reopen date, reasons for closure, and the type of funding requested. This prompt reporting ensures that the Ministry can review and process the funding request efficiently.
Additional Support Options
In addition to the base funding, child care providers may be eligible for other support options, such as the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative and the Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Wage Enhancement. These initiatives aim to reduce parental fees consistently and support child care staff salaries, ensuring high standards of care and stability in the sector.
Contact Information and Assistance
For further assistance or inquiries about the CCOF Base Funding program, providers can contact the CCOF Program Contact Centre. The center operates Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, with extended hours on Thursdays until 7:00 pm. Providers can call toll-free at 1-888-338-6622 (Option 2) or locally in Victoria at 250-356-6501. The contact center can assist in over 220 languages and offers various accessible options.
Conclusion
The CCOF Base Funding program is a lifeline for child care providers in British Columbia, ensuring they can manage operational costs and maintain high standards of care. By understanding the eligibility requirements, reporting procedures, and support options, providers can maximize the benefits of this funding. This comprehensive support not only helps providers but also ensures that parents receive affordable and quality child care, fostering a healthier community for all.
The Government of British Columbia recognizes the significance of inclusive and supportive child care environments and is committed to supporting both providers and families through various funding initiatives. By adhering to the guidelines and regularly updating enrollment data, child care providers can secure the necessary funds to continue their significant work in the community.
