Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

In April 2017, Alberta announced Phase 1 of the Early Learning and Child Care Centres (ELCC) pilot program capping fees at 22 quality child care centres at $25 per day per child. ELCC Centre’s offers flexible child care for parents who work part-time or shifts that are outside typical day care hours or offers care in accessible settings such as co-location with other public buildings. These centres will provide support for children with diverse needs and implement an early learning child care curriculum. Following a Federal ELCC funding commitment, Alberta’s program was expanded to 78 more Centres in December 2018. A rigorous evaluation process has already begun for the Phase 1 ELCC Centres. The results from the evaluation will allow governments to determine continued funding and/or possible expansion of the program. The Minister will speak about the benefits of affordable, quality and accessible child care and how the pilot ELCC centres are making life better for families. Speaker: Hon. Danielle Lari