Childcare Options in BC: A Complete Guide for Newcomers

Understanding Childcare in British Columbia

Finding childcare is one of the biggest challenges newcomers face when settling in British Columbia. Whether you need care so you can attend language classes, start working, or simply want your child to socialize and develop, understanding BC's childcare system is essential.

This guide explains the types of childcare available in BC, how to find spaces, what programs can reduce your costs, and how to get on waitlists. If you have children under 12, this information will help you make informed decisions about your family's care needs.

Childcare in BC is regulated by the BC Ministry of Education and Child Care. The province has been investing heavily in expanding affordable childcare options, and there are several programs specifically designed to reduce costs for families.

Types of Childcare in BC

Licensed Childcare

Licensed childcare facilities are inspected and regulated by the province. They must meet strict standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, and child-to-staff ratios. Licensed care includes group daycare centres, family childcare (in a provider's home with up to 7 children), preschools, and out-of-school care programs.

Licensed group daycare centres for children under 3 must maintain a ratio of one staff member for every four children. For children ages 3 to 5 in a group setting, the ratio is one staff member for every eight children. These ratios help ensure your child receives adequate supervision and attention.

License-Not-Required (LNR) Childcare

License-not-required childcare is care provided by an individual who looks after only one child, or two children from the same family, who are not related to the provider. This type of care is not inspected by the government and does not need to meet the same standards as licensed care.

Many families use license-not-required care because it can be more flexible and is often available in neighbourhoods where licensed spaces are full. However, you should be aware that these providers are not monitored for safety standards. Always visit the home, check references, and ask about the provider's experience and first aid training.

Registered License-Not-Required Childcare

A newer option in BC is registered license-not-required care. These are individual caregivers who have voluntarily registered with a Child Care Resource and Referral Centre. They have completed basic health and safety training and agreed to follow certain standards. While not as regulated as licensed care, registered LNR providers offer more accountability than completely unregulated care.

Families using registered LNR care can access the Affordable Child Care Benefit subsidy, which is not available for unregistered LNR providers.

The $10/Day ChildCareBC Program

The $10/day ChildCareBC program is one of the most significant childcare initiatives in the province. Participating licensed childcare centres charge parents no more than $200 per month for full-time care, which works out to roughly $10 per day. This is a dramatic reduction from typical childcare costs in BC, which can range from $800 to over $1,500 per month depending on the child's age and location.

To benefit from this program, you need to find a childcare centre that has been selected as a $10/day site. Not all licensed centres participate. The BC government maintains a list of participating sites on the ChildCareBC website.

The Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI)

Even if your childcare centre is not a $10/day site, you may still benefit from reduced fees. The Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI) provides funding directly to licensed childcare providers so they can lower their parent fees. Most licensed centres in BC participate in CCFRI.

Under CCFRI, the average fee reduction is approximately $350 per month for infant and toddler care and $145 per month for children ages 3 to 5. The reduction is applied automatically by the childcare provider. You do not need to apply separately.

The Affordable Child Care Benefit (ACCB)

The Affordable Child Care Benefit is an income-tested subsidy that helps eligible families pay for childcare. The amount you receive depends on your family income, the type of care, and the age of your child. Families earning under $111,000 per year may qualify for some level of subsidy.

How to Apply for ACCB

1. You must have filed your Canadian income tax return for the previous year
2. Apply online through the BC government ACCB page
3. You will need your child's birth certificate or immigration documents, your childcare provider's name and facility number, and proof of your family's income
4. Processing takes approximately 6 to 10 weeks, and the benefit is paid directly to your childcare provider

Finding Childcare Spaces

The ChildCareBC Map

The BC government provides an online tool called the ChildCareBC Map, available at maps.gov.bc.ca/ess/hm/ccf. This interactive map lets you search for licensed childcare facilities near your home, workplace, or school. You can filter by type of care, age group, and whether the facility participates in the $10/day or CCFRI programs.

Each listing shows the facility's contact information, licence type, capacity, and the age groups they serve. This is the best starting point for your childcare search.

Child Care Resource and Referral Centres

Every region of BC has a Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) centre that can help you find childcare. CCRR staff can provide personalized referrals based on your needs, location, schedule, and budget. They can also help you understand your options and navigate the subsidy application process. This service is free.

Getting on Waitlists

Childcare waitlists in BC can be long, especially for infant and toddler spaces. It is common to wait 6 to 18 months for a spot in a licensed centre. Here are strategies to improve your chances:

• Get on multiple waitlists at different centres as soon as possible
• Register while still pregnant or before you arrive in Canada if you can
• Ask about cancellation spots and check back with centres regularly
• Consider starting with license-not-required care while you wait for a licensed space
• Look at centres in nearby neighbourhoods, not just your immediate area

Before and After School Care

If your children are school-aged (typically 5 to 12 years old), you may need care before school starts in the morning or after school ends in the afternoon. Many elementary schools in BC have before-school and after-school care programs, often run by licensed childcare operators on the school grounds.

Before-school care typically runs from 7:00 AM until the start of school, and after-school care runs from the end of school until 5:30 or 6:00 PM. Costs vary but are generally lower than full-day care. CCFRI fee reductions and the ACCB subsidy can also apply to out-of-school care.

Contact your child's school directly or check the ChildCareBC map to find out-of-school care programs in your area. If you are registering your children for school in BC, ask about before and after school care options at the same time.

Strong Start BC

Strong Start is a free, drop-in early learning program for children from birth to age 5 and their parents or caregivers. Strong Start centres are located in many elementary schools across BC. A qualified early childhood educator leads activities including stories, songs, art, and play.

Strong Start is not childcare in the traditional sense because a parent or caregiver must stay with the child. However, it is an excellent way for your child to develop social skills, practice English, and prepare for kindergarten. It is also a great opportunity for parents to meet other families in their community.

The program operates during school hours on school days. There is no registration or fee. You simply show up with your child. Find a Strong Start centre near you on the BC government website.

Childcare Checklist for Newcomers

• Determine your care needs: Full-time, part-time, before/after school, or occasional
• Search the ChildCareBC map for licensed facilities near you
• Contact your local CCRR centre for personalized referrals
• Get on waitlists early at multiple centres
• Ask about $10/day and CCFRI participation when contacting centres
• File your tax return so you can apply for the ACCB subsidy
• Apply for ACCB once your child is enrolled in care
• Visit Strong Start for free early learning activities
• Keep receipts for childcare expenses for your income tax return

Common Questions Newcomers Ask About Childcare

Can I access childcare if I am a temporary resident?

Yes. Childcare in BC is available to all families, regardless of immigration status. You can use licensed childcare, apply for CCFRI fee reductions, and access the $10/day program. However, to qualify for the ACCB subsidy, you typically need to be a BC resident who has filed a Canadian tax return.

Do I need to speak English to enrol my child?

No. Many childcare centres in BC serve multilingual families. Settlement agencies such as MOSAIC and ISSofBC can help you communicate with childcare providers and complete application forms.

Can I claim childcare expenses on my taxes?

Yes. Childcare expenses are tax-deductible in Canada. You can claim eligible childcare costs when you file your income tax return with the Canada Revenue Agency. Keep all receipts from your childcare provider.

How WelcomeAide Can Help

Navigating childcare options in a new country can feel overwhelming, especially when you are also managing housing, work, and settlement tasks. WelcomeAide's programs are designed to help newcomer families access the services they need.

Our multilingual AI chat assistant can answer your childcare questions in your preferred language, help you understand subsidy eligibility, and point you to resources in your community. Visit our about page to learn more about our mission, or explore other settlement guides on our blog.

Your child deserves a safe, nurturing environment where they can learn and grow. Start your search today, get on those waitlists, and take advantage of BC's childcare programs to make care affordable for your family.