The Association of Alberta Childcare Entrepreneurs (AACE) has announced the rolling closures of childcare centres across the province today (Jan 30). 

These closures are a direct response to the challenges imposed by the government's implementation of the $10/day childcare program, which stated in a press release is threatening the quality and choice of childcare services.

"This program, in its current state, places an unsustainable strain on the childcare industry's ability to serve Alberta families effectively," reads a statement from the AACE.

Krystal Churcher, Chair of AACE, said the closures were a necessary action to bring attention to challenges facing child-care operators. 

"Our actions today are a plea to protect a childcare system that is integral to our children's future and upholds Alberta’s values and beliefs."

AACE has not yet said what childcare facilities are closing, just that they are to begin to close today. 

The following Strathmore daycare locations are currently operational as checked at 10:00 a.m. this morning (Jan 30). 

  • Fueling Brains Acadamy (Kids U).
  • Toddler in Daycare Society.
  • Strathmore CORE (Childcare Development and Enrichment Program).
  • Strathmore NEXT. 

The joint federal-provincial childcare program took effect in 2022, to provide Albertans with $10 per day child care by 2026.

Daycare fees were cut in half in 2022, and the province said fees were reduced even further in 2023, reaching an average of $20 per day in March of last year. 

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