Government of New Brunswick

Daycare Assistance Program

Education and Early Childhood Development

Overview

The Daycare Assistance Program offers financial support to families to help them pay the daycare cost of Early Learning and Childcare Centres for children 0 to 12.

The Daycare Assistance Program is offered by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and is administered by the Department of Social Development.

Eligibility

Parents/guardians could be eligible to the Daycare Assistance Program if:

• They have a preschool-aged child registered in a licenced Early Learning and Child Care Centre (if the Early Learning and Childcare Centre is designated New Brunswick Early Learning Centre, please see Designated Centre—Parent Subsidy) in Related Links Section; AND/OR
• They have a school-aged child registered in a licenced Early Learning and Child Care or a designated New Brunswick Early Leaning Centre; AND
• They are residents of New Brunswick; AND
• They are working, registered in an education program or training, or have special circumstances; AND
• Their net annual family income (after deduction) is $55,000 or less.

To obtain an estimate of the subsidy, go to the Daycare Assistance Program Calculator or register to the Early Childhood Services Portal.

To find out more, go to the Social Development Daycare Assistance Programs, or contact your local Social Development office (see Contacts above).

Description

The Daycare Assistance Program is designed to help families access financially affordable, quality child care at an approved child daycare facility.

The program doesn’t cover the full daycare cost. The parent is responsible for paying any difference between the actual daycare cost charged by the Early Learning and Childcare Centre and the subsidy amount approved.

Please note:
- Parents/guardians who have a preschool-aged child AND a school-aged child registered in a designated New Brunswick Early Learning Centre might be eligible for the Designated Centre—Parent Subsidy Program for the preschool-aged child and for the Daycare Assistance Program for the school-aged child.
- Parents/guardians who do not have access to a licensed daycare facility may be eligible for assistance under the Alternative Child Care Program.