A cap on fees for new child care facilities receiving the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI) will help keep new child care spaces affordable for B.C. families.

“Our Childcare BC plan is working to make life more affordable for families, and this latest step builds on the progress we’ve made towards bringing down the costs of child care,” said Katrina Chen, Minister of State for Child Care. “We’re making sure rates are more affordable for families and fair for all child care providers in the sector, while also supporting our long-term plan to bring universal child care to British Columbia.”

To make sure parents continue to benefit from the CCFRI, a fee cap for newly established facilities will help to keep monthly fees in line with those charged by other local providers who are delivering the same type of care.

Prior to this change, a new child care facility could set their initial monthly fees at any level and qualify for the CCFRI.

“We are pleased to see the Province commit to capping fees for new child care facilities,” said Sandra Menzer, chair, Provincial Child Care Council. “This is a solid step towards more affordable fees for families, while also increasing accountability for public funds and moving us closer to a universal child care system in B.C.” 

The fee cap will be reviewed annually. The Province will make adjustments, as needed, to reflect changes to the cost of living and operating a business in the region.

The Ministry of Children and Family Development worked with the Provincial Child Care Council to develop a fair approach to capping fees that keeps new spaces affordable for parents, while also recognizing child care operating costs differ around the province.  

“Participation in the CCFRI has allowed University of British Columbia (UBC) Child Care Services to significantly reduce the cost of child care for families,” said Karen Vaughan, director of child care services, UBC. “Capping fees for new child care providers helps to create a level playing field, while also making sure new spaces receiving CCFRI funding are affordable for local families. All children deserve access to rich pedagogical spaces where they can learn and grow.”

Launched in April 2018, the CCFRI has reduced fees for more than 65,000 licensed child care spaces in B.C., saving parents up to $350 a month per child. Since April 2018, more than 35,000 children and their families have accessed child care for $10 a day or less.

“The CCFRI has already helped to bring down the cost of child care for many families throughout the province,” said Mitzi Dean, Minister of Children and Family Development. “We know how important it is for parents to have access to child care they can afford in their community. This is a positive step forward for families today, and it helps to lay the groundwork for building a universal child care system in B.C.”

The fastest creation of quality, affordable child care in British Columbia’s history is underway as a result of the Childcare BC plan.

Learn More:

Find out more about the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content?id=77241B9EE085467F94219D69F0008B29

To read the updated CCFRI guidelines, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/family-and-social-supports/child-care/child-care-operating-funding/ccfri_funding_guidelines_21_22.pdf

For information on health and safety standards for child care during COVID-19, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/ChildCareCovid-19Response  

For more about Childcare BC, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/childcare

A backgrounder follows.