Daycare fee increases in BC are a common concern for families already on tight budgets managing child care costs. BC’s fee subsidy system creates a complex picture: while licensed fees have risen, provincial subsidies have grown faster, meaning many Coquitlam families are actually paying less in 2026 than in 2021 in real terms. This guide explains how BC licensed daycare fees change, what protections exist, and what to do if your daycare announces a fee increase. Our Coquitlam programme: daycare Coquitlam. Full subsidy guide. Call 604-600-4393.
Why Do BC Licensed Daycare Fees Increase?
Licensed daycare operators in BC face cost pressures from:
- Wage increases: BC’s ECE sector has seen significant wage improvements since 2021. While this is positive for educator recruitment and retention (and therefore quality), it directly increases operating costs
- Rent and facilities costs: Childcare space in Metro Vancouver and the Tri-Cities has seen significant rent inflation. Commercial space for licensed group care is scarce and expensive
- Insurance and regulatory compliance: Liability insurance, Fraser Health regulatory requirements, and facility upgrades to meet CCLR standards all carry costs that increase over time
- Staffing ratios: BC’s mandatory 1:4 educator-to-infant ratio means staff costs cannot be reduced by having one educator care for more children — the ratio is fixed by regulation
Result: licensed daycare fees in BC have increased annually, typically 3-7% per year, for the past several years. However, CCFRI subsidies have kept pace, meaning parent-paid costs have actually stabilized or decreased for most families.
How CCFRI Buffers BC Fee Increases for Families
BC’s Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI) works by paying operators directly, reducing the fee parents pay. Critically:
- When a CCFRI-participating operator increases their fee, the CCFRI payment to the operator increases proportionally (within provincial caps)
- Families at CCFRI-participating centres are partially protected from fee increases because the provincial share absorbs a portion of the increase
- CCFRI is automatic — no re-application needed when fees change
However, if an operator increases fees above the CCFRI cap, the additional amount above the cap is fully borne by the family.
What Rights Do BC Families Have When Daycare Fees Increase?
BC’s CCLR and consumer protection regulations require licensed operators to:
- Provide written notice of fee increases before they take effect (most centres give 30-60 days notice; check your parent agreement for the specific term required)
- Include fee increase terms in the original parent service agreement
- Not increase fees retroactively
There is no provincial cap on how much a non-CCFRI centre can raise fees. For CCFRI-participating centres, increases must comply with CCFRI program requirements. If you believe a fee increase violates your parent agreement, contact the BC Childcare Resource and Referral program or Consumer Protection BC.
What Families Can Do When Facing a Daycare Fee Increase
- Re-check your ACCB eligibility: An ACCB (Affordable Child Care Benefit) application or re-assessment may offset the increase if your income has changed. ACCB guide
- Request a breakdown from your operator: Quality licensed centres will explain what’s driving the increase — wage costs, rent changes, insurance
- Check CCFRI participation: If your centre isn’t CCFRI-participating, consider whether a CCFRI-participating centre would actually cost you less overall
- Review your parent agreement: Confirm the notice period and increase terms were followed
- Contact the BC Childcare Resource and Referral network: Free advice on navigating daycare costs and subsidy options
Subsidy guides: BC childcare subsidy 2026 | affordable daycare Coquitlam | CCFRI BC 2026.
Smiling Kids’ Fee Commitment
Smiling Kids Childcare Centre participates in CCFRI. Our fees reflect our cost structure as a fully licensed, Fraser Health inspected, ITE-staffed centre. We provide advance written notice of fee changes as required by our parent agreements and BC regulations. For current fee information and subsidy support: call 604-600-4393 or contact us.
