Not every licensed daycare in Coquitlam participates in CCFRI — and choosing a non-participating centre means paying significantly more every month. At current 2026 rates, CCFRI reduces infant care fees by approximately $850/month for participating centres. Here’s how to verify participation before committing.
What CCFRI Participation Means
CCFRI (Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative) is a voluntary agreement between BC licensed childcare providers and the Ministry of Education and Child Care. Participating centres agree to charge parents a government-set maximum fee; the government pays the difference between the full market rate and the reduced parent fee directly to the centre.
- Participating centre: You pay the reduced rate (approximately $1,150/month for infant care); MECC pays the centre the rest
- Non-participating centre: You pay the full gross rate (~$1,750–$2,000/month) with no automatic reduction
- ACCB: Income-tested benefit that can be applied at both participating and non-participating licensed centres — but the net savings are far greater at participating centres
How to Verify CCFRI Participation
- Ask directly: “Is this centre CCFRI-participating?” Every legitimate participating centre will know immediately
- BC Government CCFRI lookup: The province maintains a searchable directory of CCFRI-participating providers — available at the BC Childcare website
- Check your first invoice: A CCFRI-participating centre’s invoice should show the CCFRI reduction as a line item or note
CCFRI Monthly Reductions at Participating Centres — 2026 Rates
| Care Type | Approximate CCFRI Monthly Reduction |
|---|---|
| Infant group care (0–18 months) | ~$850/month |
| Toddler group care (19–36 months) | ~$700/month |
| Preschool group care (37 months – school age) | ~$550/month |
Smiling Kids Is a CCFRI-Participating Centre in Coquitlam
Smiling Kids Childcare Centre at 1380 Coast Meridian Road, North Coquitlam is enrolled in CCFRI. Your invoice automatically reflects the CCFRI reduction — no application, no forms. Add ACCB (income-tested, up to $1,250/month) and most families pay dramatically less than the gross rate.
📞 604-600-4393 | Full CCFRI guide — how it works and what you get
