ChildCareBC $10/Day: How It Works for Metro Vancouver Families
British Columbia's ChildCareBC $10/Day Program has transformed childcare affordability for thousands of Metro Vancouver families. If your licensed daycare participates, you may pay as little as $10/day ($200/month) for full-time care regardless of your child's age. Here's everything you need to know in 2026.
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ChildCareBC $10/Day is a fee reduction system, not a rebate. Here's how it works:
1. A licensed daycare signs a fee reduction agreement with the BC Government
2. The province pays the centre the difference between the $10/day parent fee and the centre's approved full rate
3. Eligible families pay the capped $10/day rate directly to the centre
This means you never overpay and wait for a reimbursement β your lower fee is applied automatically once your eligibility is confirmed.
The $10/day rate applies to full-time care (typically 10 hours/day). Part-time rates are calculated proportionally.
Income Eligibility for $10/Day
The $10/day maximum benefit applies to families with a household net income under approximately $45,000/year (as of 2026 β thresholds are updated annually).
Families above this threshold may still receive a partial fee reduction through the BC Affordable Child Care Benefit on a sliding scale.
Eligibility is based on your most recent CRA Notice of Assessment (tax return). You apply through the BC Government childcare subsidy portal β it takes about 20 minutes.
You do not need to re-apply each year if your income and care situation remain the same β the province automatically renews based on your annual tax filing.
Which Metro Vancouver Daycares Offer $10/Day?
As of early 2026, the majority of licensed daycares in Metro Vancouver β over 90% β participate in the ChildCareBC fee reduction system at some level. However, the $10/day maximum benefit only applies at centres that have agreed to the province's maximum parent fee structure.
Some higher-cost private centres participate in a partial fee reduction (your fee is lower, but not as low as $10/day).
Our daycare search lets you filter specifically for centres enrolled in ChildCareBC. We show the program participation level for each centre in the database.
How to Enrol Your Child in $10/Day Care
1. Find a ChildCareBC-enrolled centre β use our search to filter for $10/day eligible programs in your area.
2. Secure a spot β wait list and registration work the same as any licensed daycare.
3. Apply for subsidy β visit the BC childcare subsidy portal at childcarebc.gov.bc.ca. You'll need your SIN and recent tax return.
4. Receive a subsidy confirmation β the province sends a confirmation letter (usually within 4β6 weeks) to you and the centre.
5. Your reduced rate applies from your child's start date (or the application date if earlier, in some cases).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ChildCareBC $10/day cover infant care?
Yes β the ChildCareBC $10/day program applies to all age groups including infants (0β36 months), toddlers, preschool, and school-age care at participating licensed centres.
What is the income limit for the $10/day program?
For the maximum $10/day benefit, household net income must be under approximately $45,000/year (2026 threshold). Partial benefits extend up to approximately $111,000/year on a sliding scale.
Can I use ChildCareBC if I use a home daycare?
Licensed family home daycares can also participate in ChildCareBC. The eligibility rules are the same as for centre-based care.
What if my income changes during the year?
Subsidy amounts are typically set based on your most recent tax return and reviewed annually. If your income drops significantly mid-year, you may be able to request a reassessment through the BC childcare subsidy portal.
Do all licensed daycares in Vancouver offer $10/day?
Most do, but not all. Some higher-cost private centres participate in ChildCareBC at a partial level only. Our search tool clearly shows the program participation status of each centre.