Friday, March 29, 2024

Starting in April, BC parents could save up to $350 a month on childcare

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Though it might not be the $10-a-day that the BC NDP originally promised, BC families will still see significant savings on childcare starting next month, according to an announcement this morning.

Premier John Horgan said that BC parents with children in licensed care will start seeing childcare savings of up to $350 a month as early as April.

“Parents in every corner of B.C. will start seeing their child care bills go down next month,” said Premier Horgan.

“These fee reductions will offer families relief, and help people, particularly women, return to work. No one should be forced to choose between child care and other family needs.”

Licensed Care for Children up to Kindergarten Age

The childcare fee reduction is available to families with children up to kindergarten age, who go to licensed child care and whose providers opt in.

“The childcare fee reduction is the first step toward bringing down sky-high childcare costs so that families can get ahead,” said Minister of Children and Family Development Katrine Conroy.

To date, providers have applied for fee reductions for more than 18,000 children, and more providers are opting-in to savings for families every day.

The fee reduction will save parents up to:

  • $350 per month for each child in group infant and toddler care.
  • $200 per month for each child in family infant and toddler care.
  • $100 per month for each child in group care for children aged three years to kindergarten.
  • $60 per month for each child in family care for children aged three years to kindergarten.

Opt-in Deadline Extended

In order to maximize the number of families receiving benefits next month, the government also announced that it has extended the deadline for child care providers to opt-in to April’s fee reduction until April 20, 2018.

After that date, providers can sign up for savings for future months at any time.

Those who choose to participate will receive an increase of 10% on top of their individual base funding to support operational expenses.

Under Budget 2018, the Province has committed $630 million over the next three years to make child care more affordable for families.

When fully subscribed, the fee reduction is expected to help approximately 50,000 B.C. families with the cost of child care each month.

 

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Alistair Ogden
Former staff writer at Victoria Buzz.

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