Child care is an essential service for working parents, and the cost of that care can be a significant expense. Child care costs can vary greatly, depending on your child’s age, the type and location of care, and your own family’s specific needs.
Whether you are new to the job market as a parent or are expanding your family with another child, navigating the world of child care can feel overwhelming at first. This guide will introduce you to the various types of child care in BC, their costs, and how you might qualify for subsidies or fee reduction.
Types of Child Care in BC
As a parent, you will have lots of options when it comes to child care. How you choose to care for your child may depend on your family’s specific needs, as well as on your income and the hours you work.
Licensed Child Care
The majority of child care in BC is provided in licensed settings. Licensed child care includes group care in a centre or home, and drop-in care at a centre. Licensed child care providers must be registered and meet provincial health and safety standards. Licensed child care is the most expensive kind of care in BC, but it also has the highest level of quality assurance.
Registered Child Care
Registered child care is a lower level of care that is provided in unlicensed settings, usually by a relative. It is usually cheaper than licensed child care. However, quality assurance is not as reliable in registered child care settings.
Unregulated Child Care
Unregulated child care is care provided by a family member, such as a grandparent, aunt, or uncle. It is not a regulated service, and therefore is not monitored by the government. It is usually cheaper than child care in a centre, but there is a risk that it is of poorer quality.
Home-based Child Care
Home-based child care is similar to unregulated child care, but it is provided in a regulated setting. Home-based child care happens in the family’s private residence, such as a home, apartment, or condo. This type of care provides the benefits of family-based care, with the regulation of a licensed facility.
Costs of Child Care
As a rule of thumb, you can expect to pay about $1,000 per month for one infant in full-time child care. Prices are often higher for two or more children in the same care setting. And those costs can vary greatly depending on your family’s specific needs and the location of the child care you choose.
When considering child care costs, you should keep in mind that you may qualify for government assistance. Depending on your income, you may also be eligible for tax deductions that can help offset your child care costs. First, you will need to determine which type of child care is best for your family.
Licensed Child Care
As mentioned above, most child care in BC is provided in licensed settings. Licensed child care usually offers higher quality child care than registered child care. Prices for licensed child care vary greatly depending on the age of your child and the type of setting you choose. Locations near major cities like Vancouver, Victoria, and Surrey tend to be more expensive for licensed child care than those in smaller, more rural communities. Licensed child care can cost around $20,000 per year for one infant, depending on the type of care you choose.
Registered Child Care
Registered child care is a lower level of care than licensed child care, and is usually cheaper for parents. Prices for registered child care vary greatly depending on your family’s specific needs. Registered child care is usually cheaper than licensed child care. Registered child care can cost around $10,000 per year for one infant.
Unregulated Child Care
Unregulated child care is care provided by a family member, such as a grandparent, aunt, or uncle. Because it is not a regulated service, there are no government standards for what is provided. Prices for unregulated child care vary greatly depending on your family’s specific needs. Unregulated child care can cost around $10,000 per year for one infant.
Home-based Child Care
Home-based child care is similar to unregulated child care, but it is provided in a regulated setting. Home-based child care happens in the family’s private residence, such as a home, apartment, or condo. This type of care provides the benefits of family-based care, with the regulation of a licensed facility. Home-based child care can cost around $10,000 per year for one infant.
Conclusion
Child care is an essential service for working parents. The cost of child care can vary greatly, depending on the type of care you choose, as well as your family’s own needs. Licensed child care is usually the most expensive type of care, but it also offers the highest level of quality assurance. Even though the cost of child care can be significant, it may be possible to get government assistance to help cover the costs. Be sure to research the different types of child care available in your area, as well as how you might qualify for subsidies or fee reduction