Child Care Financial Support

Financial circumstances shouldn't stand in the way of receiving quality care for your child. As a charity, the YMCA of Southern Interior BC has always provided financial assistance on Child Care, Preschool, Camps, and Before & After School Care to those in need. In addition, with new government supports in place, child care is becoming more affordable.

Please note our recreational camps are not eligible for government subsidy as they are not licensed child care programs; however, these camps are eligible for YMCA Financial Assistance.

There are a select few licensed child care camp options that are eligible for government subsidy as outlined below. 

Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative

The YMCA of Southern Interior BC is proud to participate in the Child Care fee reduction initiative. This government initiative lowers the cost of child care for parents each month. Parents do not need to apply; the reduction is offered to them by default.

As an approved operator opting into the program, the YMCA of Southern Interior BC receives funding from the Government of B.C. that enables us to reduce parent fees. The fee tables on our program pages will show both the base monthly fee and the reduced fee. The reduced fee is charged to all parents enrolled in YMCA Child Care.

Affordable Child Care Benefit

On September 1, 2018, the Affordable Child Care Benefit replaced the Child Care Subsidy.

As a parent, you may apply to the Ministry of Children and Family Development (Child Care Subsidy Centre) to see if you are eligible for assistance with your child care fees. The benefit is determined through an application process and depends on your financial circumstances. As an enrolling parent, it is your responsibility to ensure that you apply for this benefit as the Y cannot apply for this subsidy on your behalf. Full payment of the child care fee will be required until we are notified by the ministry of your approval and you must pay any outstanding balance not covered by the benefit to the YMCA.

The YMCA can assist you with your Affordable Child Care Benefit application. Please contact the YMCA Child Care Resource and Referral program by calling 236-499-2224 or emailing ccrr@ymcasibc.ca. More information about the Child Care Resource and Referral can be found here.

For more information regarding the Affordable Child Care Benefit, visit the Government of B.C. website or call the Child Care Subsidy Service Centre toll-free at 1-888-338-6622.

YMCA Financial Assistance

The YMCA believes no family should be turned away from quality child care because of an inability to pay. Donations from individuals, community groups and businesses make it possible for the Y to provide assistance to families who could not otherwise afford quality child care. We evaluate each person’s application and financial information on a confidential, individual basis. 

The Financial Assistance Program is designed so each family contributes as much as they can afford towards the child care program. We will determine a fee based on your circumstances, the level of financial demand from families and the funds available.

How to apply

1. Fill out the Assisted Child Care Application Form 
2. Gather the necessary documentation for each person over the age of 16 living in the household:
   • Prior year's Notice of Assessment from Revenue Canada or Income Tax Return
   • Most recent three months of bank statements
3. Send in your completed application form to childcare@ymcasibc.ca or drop it off at the Pandosy YMCA at 201-2949 Pandosy St.

Note: The YMCA of Southern Interior BC requires that families apply for the Affordable Child Care Benefit first as part of the application for YMCA Financial Assistance.

As a charity, we work hard to ensure quality affordable care is accessible to all and make no profit from any of our Child Care programs.

Contact our Child Care Team