The provincial government is allocating $45 million to help more families get access to child care.

Starting on September 1, households earning $90,000 or less a year can apply to receive a monthly $125 payment.

“Our government knows access to safe, high-quality, affordable early learning and child care options will make a difference for working parents and their children, and support Alberta’s economic recovery,” said Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Children’s Services.

“These investments are targeted, based on what we heard Albertans need, and are the next step in our longer-term strategy to support the choices parents are making.”

This funding is also being expanded to support families with children attending licensed preschools.

Before, only households who used a licensed daycare, family day home, or out-of-school care programs were eligible.

The province is also using $4 million on wage top-ups for early childhood educators in preschool.

“This is great news for preschools in Alberta,” added Jennifer Sissons, Owner and Director of ‘A Child First’ Preschool in Calgary.

“Preschool educators work hard every day to support children and their early childhood education. Reintroducing preschool subsidy will make it easier for parents to access high-quality educational care for their children.”

The GoA is expecting these new funds to help around 12,000 additional children.