Ministry Grants and Subsidies

Ministry Grants for Child Care Providers

The provincial government has a grant to assist eligible caregivers with the cost of providing care. Licensed group and family caregivers may be eligible for the Child Care Operating Funding Program (CCOF). Funding amounts are based on enrollment and applications will be processed on an ongoing basis. For more information about application packages, monthly enrollment report instructions and automatic online access to your file, you can call 1-888-338-6622 or visit the ministry website at:

For more information on how to apply for grants contact the ministry website at:

• www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare/

Ministry Subsidies for Parents

The Child Care Subsidy is a monthly payment provided through the provincial government that helps British Columbian families with low incomes meet the costs of child care. The subsidy is available to parents who meet eligibility criteria to help cover the fees for child care. The child care subsidy is paid directly to the child care provider (except in the case of care in the child’s home), and the parent is responsible for paying the difference between the full cost of care and the amount that the subsidy covers. Parents may be eligible if they:

• Are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or refugee
• Live in and receive child care in BC
• Demonstrate financial eligibility
• Are using an eligible type of child care (licensed group, family or preschool; license-not-required or registered license-not-required; in child’s home)
• Are employed or self employed; seeking work; attending school; in an employment program; are considered to have a medical condition that interferes with the ability to care for children

For more information on how to apply for subsidy contact the ministry website at:

• www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare/

Accessing Child Care Subsidy for Parents

Your local CCRR program can be of assistance with accessing child care subsidy in the following ways:

• Provide copies of the subsidy forms
• Assist with filling out the forms, if help is needed.

If your local CCRR office has a publicly accessible computer, you may go online and access the “subsidy evaluator” which will give you a general sense of whether or not you may be eligible for subsidy. You can find the estimator at:

• www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare/subsidy_promo.htm

NOTE: Parents accessing care from a license-not-required child care provider who is registered with the Child Care Resource and Referral program, are entitled to a higher rate of subsidy. Contact us at PacificCARE CCRR to find out more about what it takes to become registered.