Dayhome vs Daycare Centre Costs in Calgary 2026

One of the first questions parents ask when exploring childcare is: how much will it cost? In Calgary, the answer depends on the type of care you choose and which subsidies you qualify for. Here's a detailed breakdown.

Average Costs Without Subsidies

Before Alberta's Affordability Grant, the typical monthly costs in Calgary are:

• Dayhome (full-time): $800–$1,100/month
• Daycare centre (infant): $1,200–$1,500/month
• Daycare centre (toddler/preschool): $900–$1,200/month

These are baseline fees before any government support.

Costs With the Alberta Affordability Grant

The Affordability Grant dramatically reduces parent fees at approved providers:

• Approved dayhome (full-time): $326.25/month
• Approved dayhome (part-time): $230/month
• Approved daycare (full-time): Varies, typically $300–$500/month depending on the centre

The key difference: the grant is universal — every family receives it regardless of income. No application needed.

Additional Savings: Child Care Subsidy

Lower-income families can stack the Alberta Child Care Subsidy on top of the Affordability Grant. Depending on your family income, this can reduce your parent portion to as low as $0.

Hidden Costs to Consider

When comparing options, factor in:

• Meals: Most dayhomes include meals at no extra cost. Many daycares charge extra or require you to pack lunches.
• Registration fees: Some daycares charge $50–$200 in registration fees. Most dayhomes don't.
• Supply fees: Some centres charge monthly supply or activity fees on top of tuition.
• Late pickup fees: Both dayhomes and daycares may charge for late pickups, typically $1–$5 per minute.

The Bottom Line

For most Calgary families, an Alberta Approved dayhome offers the most affordable childcare option — $326.25/month for full-time care with meals included, no registration fees, and no hidden charges.

What Bright Fox Costs

At Bright Fox Dayhome in Nolan Hill:

• Full-time: $326.25/month (Affordability Grant applied automatically)
• Part-time: $230/month
• Meals and snacks: Included
• Registration fee: None

Questions about pricing? Contact us or call (587) 889-4788. We're happy to walk you through the numbers.