Child Care Financial Support

Financial circumstances shouldn't stand in the way of receiving quality care for your child. As a charity, the YMCA of Southern Interior BC has always provided financial assistance on Child Care, Preschool, Camps, and Before & After School Care to those in need. In addition, with new government supports in place, child care is becoming more affordable.

Please note that our recreational camps are not eligible for government subsidy as they are not licensed child care programs; however, these camps are eligible for YMCA Financial Assistance.

Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative

As an approved operator opting into the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative program, the YMCA of Southern Interior BC receives funding from the Government of B.C. that enables us to reduce parent fees. The fee tables on our program pages may show both the base monthly fee and the reduced fee. Families do not need to apply and always pay the reduced fee.

$10 a Day ChildCareBC Centres

Some YMCA Child Care locations have been selected as $10 a Day ChildCareBC program providers. These sites test and evaluate funding and operational models that will help move British Columbia toward a universal child care system. Families do not need to apply and always pay $10 per day at these centres.

Affordable Child Care Benefit

On September 1, 2018, the Affordable Child Care Benefit replaced the Child Care Subsidy.

Families may apply to the Ministry of Children and Family Development (Child Care Subsidy Centre) to see if you are eligible for assistance with your child care fees. The benefit is determined through an application process and depends on your financial circumstances. Full payment of the child care fee will be required until we are notified by the ministry of your approval and you must pay any outstanding balance not covered by the benefit to the YMCA.

Though we cannot apply for this subsidy on your behalf, the YMCA can assist you with your Affordable Child Care Benefit application. Please contact the YMCA Child Care Resource and Referral program by calling 236-499-2224 or emailing ccrr@ymcasibc.ca.

For more information regarding the Affordable Child Care Benefit, visit the Government of B.C. website or call the Child Care Subsidy Service Centre toll-free at 1-888-338-6622.

YMCA Financial Assistance

The YMCA believes no family should be turned away from quality child care because of an inability to pay. Donations from individuals, community groups and businesses make it possible for the Y to provide assistance to families who could not otherwise afford quality child care. We evaluate each person’s application and financial information on a confidential, individual basis.

The Financial Assistance Program is designed so each family contributes as much as they can afford towards the child care program. We will determine a fee based on your circumstances, the level of financial demand from families and the funds available.

How to apply

1. Fill out the Assisted Child Care Application Form
2. Gather the necessary documentation for each person over the age of 16 living in the household:
   • Prior year's Notice of Assessment from Revenue Canada or Income Tax Return
   • Most recent three months of bank statements
3. Send in your completed application form to childcare@ymcasibc.ca or drop it off at the Pandosy Street YMCA (201-2949 Pandosy St).

Note: The YMCA of Southern Interior BC requires that families apply for the Affordable Child Care Benefit first as part of the application for YMCA Financial Assistance.

As a charity, we work hard to ensure quality affordable care is accessible to all and make no profit from any of our Child Care programs.

If you have any questions please call our child care administration team at 250-491-8678 or email childcare@ymcasibc.ca.