Summary:

• Effective April 1, 2026, child care providers participating in the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative must offer at least 9.5 hours of care, per day, before charging for extended hours
• Ensures families are not charged extra fees for hours that should reasonably be expected to be included in their base fee
• Creates a level playing field to ensure fairness, consistency for child care providers

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The Province is protecting parents from extra child care fees by requiring providers to offer at least 9.5 hours of care per day before charging for extended hours.

“Families deserve predictability and fairness,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care. “By setting a clear threshold, we’re closing a loophole to make sure hard-working parents aren’t paying more for a reasonable day of care. These changes protect the pocketbooks of B.C. families and establish consistency for providers, while maintaining their flexibility to design programs that meet community needs.”

Understanding benefits for families, operators

Effective April 1, 2026, this policy update makes it clear for families and operators what is included in a base fee and sets a minimum threshold before additional extended-hour fees can apply. Providers will continue to set their hours based on what works for their program, staff and families.

Most providers will not be affected. Putting an end to these practices means only about 5% of providers will have to adjust their business model. The change levels the playing field for the 95% of providers who are already delivering a standard full day of care before charging additional fees.

Summarizing the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative

• The Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative reduces the cost of child care by lowering monthly fees for families in participating licensed centres.
• In B.C., 97% of eligible licensed centres participate in the program, which, along with the Affordable Child Care Benefit, has saved families more than $3 billion in fees since the initiative started.

This updated policy supports equity for families, especially those balancing a busy lifestyle, such as those with work, school, commuting and other responsibilities.

Quotes:

Heidi Worthington, president and CEO, YMCA BC –

“YMCA BC appreciates the ongoing work of the Ministry of Education and Child Care and their collaboration with the sector to bring down costs for parents and deliver accessible, high-quality child care for British Columbians.”

Jeremy Welder, president and CEO, Boys and Girls Club Okanagan –

“We recognize and value the Ministry of Education and Child Care’s continued consultation and collaboration with the sector as the Province works to balance the needs of child care providers, while ensuring families across British Columbia have access to affordable child care.”

Kim Rud, director of early services, Prince George Native Friendship Centre –

“I am pleased to see the provincial government working to ensure there is equity for families when making the decision on child care, while also continuing to support the good work child care providers are doing each day.”

Daljit Gill-Badesha, chair, Provincial Child Care Council –

“I’m happy to see the Province making this change. Setting a clear standard for what counts as a full day of care protects parents from paying extra for reasonable hours and creates fairness across the sector, while still allowing providers flexibility to meet community needs.”

Learn More:

• For more information about ChildCareBC, including details, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/childcare
• Rules and guidelines are available here: www.gov.bc.ca/childcare/optin