There continues to be growing demand for affordable child-care spaces across Alberta. Alberta’s government continues to support growth in the child-care sector, through the licensing of new child-care programs and upgrading our current facilities. 

Alberta’s government and the Government of Canada are investing $53 million over two years in the Building Blocks Capital Grant Program to encourage the creation of new child-care spaces. The funds will help Alberta’s child-care providers create more affordable, high-quality spaces where Alberta families need them most.

The grant will provide non-profit and public child-care providers the capital to build, expand, upgrade and make repairs to their existing facilities. These improvements must support the creation of new child-care spaces.

“The new Building Blocks grant will help achieve the Alberta government’s goal of creating 42,500 new child-care spaces by March 2026. This funding will help non-profit and public child-care providers make their programs more inclusive, create new child-care spaces and meet the diverse needs of their communities, while maintaining the high-quality care parents deserve and expect.”  

Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade

“Every family deserves access to high-quality, affordable child care no matter where they live. Through the Building Blocks Capital Grant Program, we’re making it easier for non-profit and public providers to build, expand or improve their facilities and create new spots so that more families get off of waitlists and into child care close to home.”

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

Funding will prioritize the creation of new child-care spaces in high-need areas, such as areas with limited or no child-care options, or underserved communities and communities with barriers to access. Alberta’s rural and remote communities will be a top priority for funding.

“This $53-million investment is a significant step forward in meeting the growing need for high-quality, affordable and accessible child care across Alberta. This investment will help child-care providers create more spaces, improve their facilities and give families more options and support in communities that need it most.”

Nick Parkinson, president and CEO, YMCA of Northern Alberta

The Building Blocks program will offer two grant streams: major capital and minor capital projects.

  • Major capital grants: For projects that cost $500,000 or more and may include new construction of a child-care facility, building expansions, substantial upgrades and the purchase, assembly, installation and delivery of a modular building structure.
  • Minor capital grants: For projects that cost less than $500,000 and may include interior and exterior renovations, upgrades, repairs, refurbishment or improvements without changes to the structure in a new or existing building.

Alberta’s government will start accepting applications on Jan. 30 for the Building Blocks Capital Grant Program and eligibility requirements are available online.

This grant builds on the province’s December 2024 Inclusive Spaces Program Grant announcement, which incentivizes existing licensed child-care facilities to become more inclusive. The Inclusive Spaces Program Grant is open to all licensed providers – facilities, preschools and family day home agencies, and supports equipment, resources and minor renovations. Through these investments, programs can become more accessible, improve their quality and expand their operations.

Alberta’s government will continue to work with communities and child-care providers to support the creation of accessible and affordable spaces in every corner of the province.

Quick facts

  • Under the Canada-Alberta Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, Alberta has committed to creating up to 68,700 child-care spaces by March 2026.
    • At least 42,500 of these spaces must be public or non-profit.
  • The Building Blocks grant will provide access to capital for non-profit and public child-care providers, offering full-time child care for children kindergarten age or younger.
    • Facilities that create child-care spaces for visible minorities, children with disabilities or families who work non-standard hours are also eligible to apply.
  • The Inclusive Spaces Program Grant 2024-25 applications intake closes Jan. 31.

Related information

Multimedia