Frequently Asked Questions for Child Care Providers

The program is not able to provide feedback on individual applications due to the large volume of interest.

We recognize the time and effort it takes to apply to join the $10 a Day ChildCareBC program. The ministry’s decision-making process balances several factors, including alignment with key program priorities, budget availability and the overall spaces target.

Yes. This intake will continue to look at a range of criteria, and new this year is affordability-based evaluation based on area income levels. This change, based on feedback from community and sector advocates in the past, will help target areas where the program will have the most impact on local families.

From October 1, 2024, at 12:00pm to October 31, 2024, at 12:00 pm, eligible Child Care Operating Funding (CCOF) child care providers can apply to become a $10 a Day ChildCareBC centre through the My ChildCareBC Services portal. Providers can also sign up to the ChildCareBC Bulletin to receive regular updates to their inbox. 

The $10 a Day program benefits child care providers by offering enhanced, stable operating funding while ensuring families in the community are being helped through access to child care for no more than $10 a day for full-time care.

Funding for expansion of $10 a Day ChildCareBC Spaces comes from the Government of Canada under the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. Under this agreement, the Province is required to ensure operating funds prioritize supporting public, not-for-profit and Indigenous-led child care providers. However, licensed private sector providers are also welcome to apply and can continue to benefit from government’s efforts to improve child care for families, including fee reductions, as well as recruitment and retention of skilled child care professionals through programs such as the Early Childhood Educator Wage Enhancement (ECE-WE).

No, only licensed child care providers who offer spaces to children 0-5 years old or multi-age programs are eligible to apply. Individuals caring for more than two children, or a single sibling group (whichever is higher), are required to obtain a license from their local Health Authority in order to operate.  If you are interested in becoming licensed, please contact your local health authority for additional information.

Start-Up Grants are available to assist with the costs associated with obtaining a licence for a centre in your personal residence.

Yes, there is a variety of information related to ECE education and training, certification, and bursaries available on the Support for Early Childhood Educators web page. Educators who are specifically interested in working at a $10 a Day ChildCareBC site must seek employment opportunities directly with approved centres.

The ChildCareBC website has a variety of resources available with a dedicated section for Child Care providers. We also encourage you to sign up for the ChildCareBC Bulletin to receive regular ChildCareBC updates to your inbox.

The ChildCareBC Engagement team is prepared to answer any general child care questions you may have. For general ChildCareBC inquiries, please contact ChildCareBC.Engagement@gov.bc.ca

If you have specific questions about the $10 a Day ChildCareBC program, please call 1-888- 338-6622 (Option 7).