Every child should be able to thrive in Alberta’s high-quality child-care system. These programs do more than educate children—they empower families. However, far too many children who require special resources and infrastructure experience issues accessing quality child care. This creates an imbalance between children of different abilities and leaves some without the foundation they need to succeed. That is why this investment into inclusive spaces is so important.

To ensure children of all abilities in all communities can access the services they need, the province is announcing the Inclusive Spaces Program Grant for licensed private and non-profit providers interested in enhancing their existing spaces. The Inclusive Spaces Program Grant is a $15-million investment over two years, with $5 million available in 2024-25 and $10 million in 2025-26. This investment is made possible through the Canada-Alberta Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.

“Every child deserves access to high-quality child care. Alberta’s government is committed to ensuring all children can benefit from quality early learning experiences. The Inclusive Spaces Program Grant is one of the many steps our government is taking to make high-quality, affordable licensed child care more accessible and inclusive for children and families, regardless of their abilities.”

Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade

“A high-quality, affordable and flexible child care system must also be inclusive to meet the diverse needs of every child. By supporting providers with resources, equipment, and the ability to make renovations, we are helping to ensure more children can thrive in environments that meet their unique and individual needs.”

Jenna Sudds, federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

Alberta’s government is committed to inclusive child care that meets the diverse needs of families. The child-care system should provide opportunities for all children to benefit from high-quality early learning programs.

Daycare facilities, preschools and family day home agencies can now apply for this new grant to make child-care spaces more inclusive, whether through equipment, resources or minor renovation projects. From wheelchair ramps to cultural resources and accessible playgrounds, the Inclusive Spaces Program Grant helps providers create inclusive spaces that welcome all children.

This grant offers two streams:

  • Infrastructure improvements – renovations to existing facilities to enhance accessibility and inclusivity (such as ramps, elevators and adaptive washrooms).
  • Equipment and resources – to provide facility-based operators and family day home educators with the tools and resources they need to support inclusion (such as assistive technology, sensory equipment and culturally relevant materials).

While child-care providers and educators are committed to meeting the unique needs of Alberta’s children, they don’t always have the resources they need at their fingertips. Through the Inclusive Spaces Program Grant, Alberta’s government is helping bridge gaps and enhance the quality of existing spaces in the province’s child-care system.

“At YMCA Calgary, we believe that every child deserves a strong foundation to learn, grow and thrive. This investment in inclusive spaces is critical in ensuring that families across Alberta can access high-quality child care tailored to their unique needs. As a charity and one of the province’s largest non-profit child-care providers, we see firsthand how inclusivity strengthens communities and opens doors to brighter futures. We value every opportunity to collaborate with the government of Alberta in creating environments where all children feel welcomed and supported.”

Shannon Doram, president and CEO, YMCA Calgary

Inclusivity is a priority for Alberta’s government. Alberta continues to support inclusive child care in several ways, such as the Inclusive Child Care Program, a provincial partnership with community agencies that ensures children with extra support needs can fully participate in child-care programs. The province also funds the Access, Support and Participation Program, which increases providers’ access to the long-term resources needed to create inclusive environments in child-care settings.

With this significant investment, Alberta is taking a major step forward in addressing equity gaps in the child-care system to ensure every child can learn and grow in an environment that prioritizes their unique needs.

Quick facts

  • Under the Canada-Alberta Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, Alberta has committed to supporting children from diverse populations and those with unique needs access child-care spaces.
  • The Inclusive Spaces Program Grant is being funded through inclusion investments under the agreement.
  • The first of three intake periods is now open, closing on Jan. 31, 2025.
    • This will be followed by two more intake periods in 2025-26, until funding is exhausted.
  • Applications will be assessed through the Ministry of Jobs, Economy and Trade.

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