Why does the financial obligations of raising a child feel like it’s out of reach? Children come at an incredibly rewarding financial cost that is known in society. Many individuals or couples continue to raise a family. Yet, parents find themselves contemplating how to make ends meat or hard to pay all the bills. Day to day living costs are exorbitant, leading families to consider options to cut costs out. A common problem for families is not being able to afford childcare but not having the option to quit work. Luckily there are options to consider that can help such as government programs, finding a job that is accommodating to your family’s needs or other community-based options.
Affordable childcare benefit
As per the British Columbia Affordable childcare benefit, it states in order to apply, an individual must be a resident of BC, Canadian citizen, permanent resident, refugee or person in need of protection (British Columbia, 2021).
The reason for applying should be one of the following:
The information provided for Affordable Childcare benefit is sourced by (British Columbia, 2021).
CCFRI is offered to eligible childcare providers. This benefit can decrease a family’s monthly fee anywhere from $60-$350 a month. For more information visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/caring-for-young-children/running-daycare-preschool/child-care-operating-funding/child-care-fee-reduction-initiative-provider-opt-in-status
Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI)
This funding is offered to licensed care providers that are eligible. This benefit allows child care providers to reduce parents monthly childcare fee, which is done through the provider themselves. Childcare providers can receive at highest $350/month and as low as $60/month in reduced fees depending on the child’s age and program. All the information on CCFRI is provided by (British Columbia, 2021).
Young Parent Program
Young parents under the age of 25 years of age can receive up to $1,500 per month (while finishing high school), per child in as long as the qualifications are meet. For more information, please visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/caring-for-young-children/child-care-funding/young-parent-program
Qualifications include:
All the information provided on young parent Program is by (British Columbia, 2021). For more information can be provided in detail
Child Care Resource and Referral centers (CCRR)
The CCRR are located in several cities to help address the needs of families looking for childcare. The CCRR provides referral programs to find childcare, family support such as consultation, and resources such as workshops. CCRR makes it accessible for families all over British Columbia to find child care. This includes Fraser valley, Vancouver Island, Vancouver coastal, the interior, northern BC and to aboriginal CCRR. Information on how to find a CCRR near you can be located at the British Columbia weblink at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/caring-for-young-children/how-to-access-child-care/child-care-resource-referral-centre
The information provided on CCRR is sourced by (British Columbia, 2021).
Other options
Depending on your situation, different options will help to alleviate the financial cost of childcare. Possibly a combination of different techniques might do the trick.
References