Child Care FAQ
Who are we?Bow Valley College (BVC) serves more than 12,000 learners in Calgary, at 20 locations throughout southern Alberta and, through contract arrangements, across Canada and in a number of other countries. We offer year-round programs leading to career certificates and diplomas, as well as adult upgrading and English as a Second Language (ESL) courses.
- Average BVC student age is 30
- 69% of BVC students are female
- 38% are parents
- 27% are single parents
Calgary Energy Partners, under the leadership of Mr. Bill Davis, is a composite of local business men and women who are truly the unclaimed everyday heroes and heroines that have invested in the million dollar Bow Valley College Child Care Initiative.
How much does child care cost?
- Up to $1200 per month* for infant care (0-18 months)
- Up to $1000 per month* for toddlers (ages 19 months +)
- Up to $600 per month* for preschool children ( 4 years +)
We know that many BVC students cannot afford approximately $2000** per month for child care
*costs quoted are for Alberta licensed child care facilities
**based on two child average (BVC registrar)
Do Bow Valley College (BVC) students receive government subsidies for child care?
Yes, many of our students do receive funding under the Alberta Child Care Subsidy Program. Depending on family income, type of care and child age, the subsidy amount varies.
| Day Care (monthly per child) |
Day Home (monthly per child) |
Out of School Care (monthly per child) |
|
| 0-18 months | Up to $575 | Up to $475 | |
| 19+ | Up to $500 | Up to $400 | |
| 4.5 years | Up to $500 |
Subsidy and benefit amounts do not cover the full cost of child care. Actual child care costs are often double what the government subsidy provides. At the same time, students are also struggling with increased living expenses such as the cost of rent.
Not all students qualify for the Alberta Child Care Subsidy Program.
- For example, immigrant students in our Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) programs do not receive this subsidy and struggle with how to afford child care while attending courses that will quickly expedite their integration into the Calgary workforce.
Does the Alberta Government invest in child care?
Yes, in March and May 2007 the Alberta Government announced that it will invest approximately $13.5 million to address the issue of recruiting and retaining staff to work in day care centres, family day homes and women's shelters. However, this does not address the issue of affordable child care for students.
Do parents receive a subsidy from the Federal Government for child care?
Yes, parents of children under six are eligible for the federal Universal Child Care Benefit of $100/month.
What happens if BVC students cannot afford child care?
Often it means that if a student cannot afford child care, they cannot attend school. Affordable child care is a formidable barrier to education. Unfortunately, some students have to choose less than quality care arrangements for their children because it is all that they can afford.
How will the BVC students be selected to receive child care support from the Calgary Energy Partners Child Care Initiative Fund?
- Students will be referred through a Bow Valley College Counsellor or faculty member
- Students will be interviewed by a Student Finance Officer to validate their budget and financial information
- Students must provide validated proof that they are the current child care provider
- Cheques will be issued on a semester basis
How much will they receive?
The amount received will be $200 per child per month per semester to a maximum of nine months. Students will be eligible to reapply when entering their second year at BVC.
Will I get a report about the families my donation helped?
Yes, BVC will provide you with an update on how your donation has made a difference in the lives of those students benefiting from this initiative.
Can I donate stocks rather than cash?
Yes, BVC fund development staff would be pleased to help you benefit from the tax advantage of donating stock. Capital gains are reduced to zero when stocks are donated to charitable organization such as BVC.
Will I be recognized as a donor at BVC?
With your permission, BVC will recognize your contribution in College publications and through other means in accordance with BVC's Recognition Policy. BVC respects any requests for anonymity.
How much are you raising?
With your help, we will reach our original goal of $1 million, and continue to raise funds for this important bursary for years to come.
Who can I contact for more information?
Jennifer Ward
Annual Fund Officer, College Advancement
jward@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-410-1427
