Brainy Bees offers Alberta $15/day childcare Red Deer, a licensed Montessori centre for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. The Affordability Grant is applied automatically. No paperwork. No income verification. Starting April 1, 2025, Alberta changed how childcare subsidies work. The old income-based system is gone for children kindergarten age and younger.
Alberta’s $15/day childcare Red Deer rate is a flat fee: $326.25 per month for full-time care (100+ hours). That is roughly $15 per day.
The government pays Brainy Bees directly. You do not need to apply. The discount appears on your invoice automatically.
Here is everything you need to know about Alberta $15/day childcare in Red Deer under the new system.
The Alberta Affordability Grant: What Changed
Old system (before April 1, 2025): You applied for subsidy based on your income. Families with lower incomes paid less. Families with higher incomes paid more. You had to submit pay stubs, wait for approval, and recertify every year.
New system (starting April 1, 2025): Flat-rate affordability. Every family with a child in licensed care pays the same amount. No application. No income verification. No recertification.
Why Alberta changed this: The old system created barriers. Parents did not apply because the paperwork was confusing. Some families paid full price when they qualified for subsidy. The new system is automatic.
Targeted ages: Children kindergarten age or younger. School-aged children (grades 1-6) still use the old income-based model.
Licensed care only: This applies to licensed daycares and family day homes. Unlicensed providers are not eligible.
Direct funding: The government pays Brainy Bees directly. You never see the full fee. Your invoice shows only your portion.
The goal: $10 per day by March 31, 2026. We are currently at roughly $15 per day.
Source: Government of Alberta Child Care Subsidy Program
Alberta $15/Day Childcare Red Deer: What You Will Pay (April 1, 2025 onward)
| Program | Hours Per Month | Monthly Fee With the Grant | Daily Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time infant, toddler, or preschool | 100+ hours | $326.25 | ~$15/day |
| Part-time infant, toddler, or preschool | 50-99 hours | $230.00 | ~$11/day |
| Preschool-only (3-5 years, limited hours) | Varies | Up to $100 off per child | Varies |
Field trips: Billed separately at cost
Meals: Morning and afternoon snacks included. Lunch comes from home.
Before and after school care (6 to 12 years): The flat rate is for children kindergarten age and younger. For school-age children, families may qualify for the income-based child care subsidy. Call us and we will help you check.
Important: You do not need to apply for the Affordability Grant if Brainy Bees is your provider. We apply the affordability funding automatically. Every family receives it.
Separate Income-Based Subsidy for Families Who Need More Help
The flat-rate model ($326.25 per month) applies to everyone. But some families need additional support.
A separate, income-based subsidy still exists for lower-income families with specific needs. This stacks on top of the flat-rate discount.
Who qualifies for the additional subsidy:
- Families with income under $45,000
- Families receiving income support or AISH
- Families with children who have special needs requiring extra support
You must apply for this additional subsidy through Alberta Supports (1-877-644-9992). Brainy Bees can help you with the paperwork.
Example: Under the flat-rate model, you pay $326.25. If you qualify for the additional income-based subsidy, your payment could be $0.
Check if you qualify for additional subsidy →
Before and After School Care for School-Age Children
Your child is at school all day. School ends mid-afternoon. You work until 5:00 or 6:00 PM. You need someone to cover those hours.
Brainy Bees picks up children 6 to 12 years from 10 Red Deer schools:
- École Camille School
- Mount View Elementary School
- Escuela Vista Grande Bilingual School
- Fairview Elementary School
- G.H. Dawe School
- St. Patrick’s Community School
- Anni L. Gaetz Elementary School
- École Oriel Park
- Don Campbell Elementary School
- Joseph Welsh Elementary School
Our van picks up at each school’s dismissal time. The afternoon includes a snack, outdoor play at our fenced playground, and Montessori activities.
PD days and school breaks are included. We are open year-round except statutory holidays and weekends.
Transportation: $300 for the school year (September to June), charged once. Pickup from other Red Deer schools can be arranged depending on availability and scheduling.
Confirm pickup for your child’s school →
Infant and Toddler Childcare: For Parents Returning from Leave
You go back to work in 3 months. You need infant care. Here is our current availability (updated weekly):
- Infant (0-18 months): 3-month waitlist typical. Call for current openings.
- Toddler (19 months to 3 years): Shorter waitlist. Some immediate availability.
- Preschool (3-5 years): Usually immediate availability.
Why infant spots are hard to find in Red Deer: Alberta requires 1 staff for every 4 infants. Most centers lose money on infant rooms. They keep the ratio minimum. We do not. We maintain 1:4 at all times.
What makes our infant childcare different:
- Freedom of movement (no swings, no bouncers, no containers)
- Open soft play areas where infants learn to move independently
- Primary caregiver system (same person for feeding, diapering, naps every day)
- Daily photos and updates
What makes our toddler childcare different:
- Toilet training support (we partner with you on timing and approach)
- Practical life activities (pouring, spooning, buttoning, washing)
- Language explosion support (vocabulary, two-word phrases, simple sentences)
Check current infant availability →
What Makes Montessori Childcare Different from Regular Childcare
Most childcare centers in Red Deer follow a schedule: 9:00 AM circle time, 9:30 AM art, 10:00 AM snack, 10:15 AM outdoor play. The teacher decides everything. Children move as a group. If a child is focused on an activity at 9:45 AM, the teacher still says “time to clean up” because the schedule says art is over.
Montessori is the opposite.
| Regular Childcare | Montessori Childcare at Brainy Bees |
|---|---|
| Teacher leads activities | Child chooses activities based on interest |
| Everyone does the same thing at the same time | Every child does something different |
| Frequent transitions (every 15-30 minutes) | Uninterrupted 3-hour work cycle |
| Teacher stops children who are focused | Teacher never interrupts a working child |
| Plastic toys with batteries | Wood, glass, metal materials |
| Praise and rewards | Intrinsic motivation |
| Teacher answers every question | Teacher shows child where to find answer |
The result: Montessori children develop concentration. A 3-year-old at Brainy Bees will spend 20 minutes pouring water from one pitcher to another. That is not play. That is fine motor practice, hand-eye coordination, and focus developing.
See Montessori materials in action →
Licensed Childcare Red Deer: What Licensing Actually Means
Alberta requires licensed childcare facilities to meet specific standards. Unlicensed childcare (nannies, unregulated day homes) has no standards.
Here is what licensing guarantees your family:
| Requirement | What Brainy Bees Provides |
|---|---|
| Staff must have ECE certification | Our lead guides hold Level 3 (highest level) |
| Staff-to-child ratios enforced | Babies 1:3, Infants 1:4, Toddlers 1:6, Preschool 1:8, Pre-K 1:10 |
| Criminal record checks | All staff, renewed every 5 years |
| Intervention record checks | All staff, renewed every 5 years |
| Unannounced inspections | At least once per year |
| Liability insurance | Required by law |
| Health and safety standards | Fire drills, first aid, CPR, food safety |
You can verify our license with Alberta Children’s Services. Ask for our license number. Call the province. They will confirm we are in good standing.
Unlicensed childcare providers cannot give you this guarantee.
Read Alberta’s licensing requirements →
What Red Deer Parents Say About Brainy Bees Childcare
“My son has Cerebral Palsy. Finding a daycare that is not only inclusive but truly invested in his development was so important to us. Brainy Bees has exceeded every expectation. They have gone above and beyond to support his growth, working alongside his therapy needs.”
Melissa Gouthro
“He was having so many behavioral issues at his previous daycare. Since switching to Brainy Bees, he has done a complete 360. Staff are so kind and understanding. Classrooms are huge, everything is well kept and very clean.”
Vanessa Schriver
“My little has language and social challenges and they find ways for him to overcome those and still participate and be included in everything.”
Kimberly Amaya
“The space is clean, organized, and well-equipped. I love that children are grouped by age so they can learn at their own pace. The teachers are skilled and give every child personal attention. My child is excited to go every day.”
Manoj Savsani
Questions Red Deer Parents Ask About the Affordability Grant
Do I need to apply for the $15/day rate?
No. If Brainy Bees is your provider, we apply the affordability funding automatically. Your invoice will show the discounted rate ($326.25 for full-time). You do nothing.
What if I qualify for additional income-based subsidy?
You must apply through Alberta Supports (1-877-644-9992). Brainy Bees can help you with the paperwork. Ask for Ms. Maya.
Does the $15/day rate apply to before and after school care?
The flat rate is for children kindergarten age and younger. Our before and after school care is for children 6 to 12 years, so families use the income-based child care subsidy instead, if they qualify.
What about school-aged children in grades 1-6?
The flat-rate model ($15/day) does NOT apply to grades 1-6. School-aged children use the older income-based subsidy model. Call us to discuss your specific situation.
Do you offer part-time childcare?
Yes. Part-time (50-99 hours per month) costs $230.00 with the grant. Minimum 3 days per week.
What ages do you accept?
The flat rate covers children from birth to kindergarten age: babies and infants (birth to 18 months), toddlers (19 months to 3 years) and preschool (3 to 5 years). Before and after school care (6 to 12 years) uses the income-based subsidy.
Do you provide meals?
Yes. Morning and afternoon snacks are included. Lunch comes from home. We follow Canada’s Food Guide. We accommodate allergies with a doctor’s note.
What is your discipline policy?
Positive guidance and natural consequences. No time-outs, no shaming, no punishment.
Do you care for children with special needs?
Yes. We currently have children with Cerebral Palsy, speech delays, autism, and behavioral challenges enrolled. Call and ask for Ms. Maya (founder) to discuss your child’s needs.
What are your hours?
Monday to Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
How do I get off the waitlist for infant care?
Call us. Ask to speak with Ms. Maya. Come for a tour. Families who tour get priority when spots open.
Fees
As a licensed child care facility, we offer current childcare rates as per the Alberta Government’s childcare affordability plan. Please contact us directly for our current fee schedule and availability.
Registration
We’re excited to welcome your family to our community! To register your child, please contact us for availability or complete our online registration form to begin the enrollment process.
Your Next Step: Secure Your Spot at $15/Day
You now know how the Affordability Grant works. You pay $326.25 per month for full-time care. You do not need to apply. The discount appears automatically.
Now you need to know one thing: Does Brainy Bees have a spot for my child?
Infant spots have a waitlist. Toddler and preschool spots sometimes have immediate openings. Before and after school spots are limited.
Call us: 825-559-2337
Or fill out the form below. Ms. Maya will call you back within one business day.
Location: #202 4909 49 St, Red Deer, AB T4N 1V1
Check availability for your child’s age →
