Information for families

The Parent Fee Grid applies to families whose children are enrolled in designated New Brunswick Early Learning and Child Care facilities.

New Brunswick has transformed its childcare system through the designation of New Brunswick Early Learning and Childcare Centres and New Brunswick Early Learning and Childcare Homes.  The designation program focuses on ensuring affordable access to services for families and strengthening quality learning for children. 

The Parent Fee Grid implemented by Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is a standardized grid that sets the fees operators of Designated Early Learning and Child Care facilities can charge families. 

Fees paid by families for children 0-5 years of age, who are enrolled in a designated facility have been reduced on average by 50% as of June 1, 2022. 

Operators of designated facilities are required to apply the standardized Parent Fee Grid rates.  To help cover the difference in revenue from parent fees and the Parent Fee Grid, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development introduced the Parent Fee Reduction Subsidy for operators of designated facilities. This new grant bridges the financial gap between the standardized Parent Fee Grid and operator fees on record, for their designated facility.

Families can check the designation status of an early learning and childcare facility in Childcare Finder. Note: If a facility is designated it will be indicated in the facility details, under the facility’s language of service.

Community Type: Large urban or small urban & rural can be found in Childcare Finder - More Details -  Licences Details - Community Type.  Operators can also confirm the community type for their facility.

To be eligible for the Parent Fee Grid, children must be 5 years of age or younger, not attending school, and be enrolled in a designated New Brunswick Early Learning and Child Care facility.

When children attend a designated New Brunswick Early Learning and Child Care facility, the Parent Fee Grid rates will be applied, and families will pay the applicable rates to the operator.

If you have any questions regarding the Parent Fee Grid, please speak with the ELCC facility operator or contact the Operational Support Services (OSS) team at 1 833 221-9339.

Parent Subsidy Program and Daycare Assistance Program (DAP) are available to provide support for low- and middle-income families. Families must be working, in a training program, or have a special circumstance to qualify. Together, these programs support preschool children enrolled in designated facilities, and children attending non-designated facilities, based on annual household income.

• The Parent Subsidy Program applies to families whose children are enrolled in designated New Brunswick Early Learning and Child Care facilities.
• The Daycare Assistance Program applies to families whose children are enrolled in licensed non-designated facilities offering pre-school and school age programs.

The Child Care Finder and Child Care Connect NB are services dedicated to helping families throughout their child care journey. By utilizing these resources together, you gain the ability to make well-informed choices, providing reassurance and a smooth pathway to finding the best care for your child.

Begin your search by using Child Care Finder. This intuitive, map-based tool allows you to easily explore licensed early learning and childcare options within your community. Find detailed profiles of each operator, including space availability, and identify the best match for your family's needs, all in a few easy steps.

Child Care Connect NB helps families by connecting them with child care providers offering available spaces that meet their unique needs within their communities. The data collected through Child Care Connect NB also helps the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development decide where new child care spaces need to be created.

Operators of licensed early learning and childcare facilities who offer services to preschool children aged five and under may apply to become a designated New Brunswick Early Learning facility.

Families with preschool-aged children, enrolled in a designated facility, will pay the standard Parent Fee Grid rates. No applications, eligibility criteria, or income testing are required by parents or guardians.

Families can check the designation status of an early learning and childcare facility in Childcare Finder. 
Note: If a facility is designated it will be indicated in blue under the facility’s language of service.

As a parent, guardian, or community member, you have the right to provide feedback about child care services in New Brunswick. Your feedback provides an opportunity to improve the safety and quality of early learning and child care in our province.

How do I file a complaint or concern?

It is always best to address and resolve a complaint or concern with the operator of the Early Learning and Childcare Facility when and where it occurs.  If your concerns remain, you can contact the regional Early Learning and Childcare Services team.  

When contacting the regional Early Learning and Childcare Services team, here is information you may need to provide:

• Name of facility
• Describe in detail (who, what, when, where, why)
• Explain the events in the order in which they occurred
• Explain any other actions you have taken
• Provide any additional supporting information

Your feedback — positive or negative – helps us to improve the safety and quality of early learning and childcare services in our province. 

The Early Learning and Childcare Services team will follow up on the information provided. 

For regional Early Learning and Childcare Services team contact information and map, please see:

Inclusion means that all children and their families are welcomed and supported to participate in every aspect of early learning and childcare programs. Inclusion requires early learning and childcare operators and the staff members to create an environment that supports meaningful connections and caring relationships with children and their families.

Did you know that play is the way children learn? This means it’s easy to help children learn about their world – just play together!

Coming Soon!  The 2024 Early Learning and Child Care Quality Framework

The New Brunswick Curriculum Framework for Early Learning and Child Care ~ English is designed to provide a strong foundation for young children’s development and well-being.

• Prenatal Benefits Program
• Postnatal Benefits Program
• Infant Parent Attachment Program
• Communicable Diseases Guidelines (PDF)
• Canada’s Food Guide website

If you have questions or need help, please contact us.