Fees
Child care is offered by the calendar month and fees are to be paid by the 5th day of each month. This includes before kindergarten child care and after kindergarten child care (between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. and during all non-school times). This cost also includes child care during spring break, winter break, summer, all kindergarten professional/organizational days and Teacher's Convention.
Child Care Fees (Effective April 1, 2025)
As part of the child care fee agreement with the Government of Alberta, the University Child Care Centre Society (UCCCS) will implement the following updated fees:
- Flat Child Care Fee: $326.25 per month
- Food Cost Recovery Fee: $120.00 per month
For more information on Alberta's Federal-Provincial Child Care Agreement, please visit Federal-provincial child care agreement
Food Cost Recovery Fee
To maintain our high-quality food program, which provides three nutritious, on-site prepared meals daily, UCCCS has a $120.00 monthly Food Cost Recovery Fee. This fee helps cover food costs, as current government funding does not include food program expenses. Families who choose to opt in will pay a total monthly fee of $446.25 ($326.25 + $120.00).
Benefits of the UCCCS Food Program in Early Childhood Education
Proper nutrition is essential for young children's growth, brain development, and learning success. Research shows that well-balanced meals in early childhood settings contribute to:
- Cognitive Development – Proper nutrition supports memory, attention span, and overall brain function, laying a strong foundation for academic success.
- Physical Growth & Health – Nutrient-dense meals help prevent childhood obesity, strengthen the immune system, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Social & Emotional Well-Being – Family-style dining promotes social skills, self-regulation, and positive mealtime habits that extend into adulthood.
- Lifelong Healthy Eating Habits – Exposure to a variety of fresh, diverse, and culturally inclusive foods helps children develop a love for nutritious eating early on.
Research & Resources
Families interested in learning more about the importance of nutrition in early childhood can explore:
- Canada’s Food Guide – Guidelines on balanced meals and portion sizes for young children.
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC) – Early Childhood Nutrition – Information on how diet influences child development.
- Harvard Center on the Developing Child – Research on how nutrition affects brain development and lifelong health.
- Alberta Health Services – Healthy Eating for Children – Practical tips for parents and caregivers on childhood nutrition.