ChildCareBC Bulletin

Edition 112, January 28, 2026

Archived editions

Child Care Operating Funding 2026 - 2027 renewal open

As of January 7, 2026, child care providers can renew their Child Care Operating Funding and opt into the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative and Early Childhood Educator Wage Enhancement programs for 2026-27.

As in previous years, providers joining the fee reduction program must start with fees that reflect typical rates in their region. Providers already in the fee reduction program may increase fees by up to 3% of the regional median fee.

To avoid gaps in funding, applicants to the $10 a Day ChildCareBC program should renew their Child Care Operating Funding agreements while waiting for a decision on their $10-a-day program application.

Please note an important policy shift in the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative: As of April 1, 2026, providers in the program may only charge optional fees for extended hours after offering a minimum of 9.5 hours of care during regular operating hours.

For more information please see the fee reduction funding guidelines or the wage enhancement funding guidelines. Important timelines and additional information is available on the Apply for or renew web page. If you have questions or need support, call 1-888-338-6622 (press 2), Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Affordable Child Care Benefit resource

The Affordable Child Care Benefit is a monthly payment to help eligible families with the cost of child care. Factors like income, family size and type of care determine how much support families may receive.

A resource has been created for families and child care providers with information about the program and how to access funding. This printable brochure can be used as a trifold or as a two-page document for posting in schools, offices and child care centres. It includes:

• Information about eligibility
• Step-by-step guidance on how to apply
• A QR code linking to additional details on our website

Please share this resource to help more families and community members access the Affordable Child Care Benefit. For further questions about the program, ministry call centre staff are available Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT at 1-888-338-6622 (option 1).

Call for nominations – Order of British Columbia and Medal of Good Citizenship

To celebrate service excellence, the Province is inviting the public to nominate outstanding individuals for the Province’s two highest honours: the Order of British Columbia and the Medal of Good Citizenship.

The Order of British Columbia is the highest honour awarded by the Province and recognizes outstanding achievement, excellence or distinction by a former or current B.C. resident whose contributions benefit the province and elsewhere.

The Medal of Good Citizenship honours individuals whose selfless volunteerism, generosity and contributions have a positive effect on their community. Nominations for youth aged 15 to 25 are also accepted, as well as posthumous nominations.

Nominations for both honours must reach the Honours and Awards Secretariat by April 7, 2026, to be considered in 2026. An independent selection committee reviews all nominations and recommends candidates.

For further information and to submit nominations, please visit the Order of British Columbia and Medal of Good Citizenship web pages.

---