Alberta’s proposed childcare changes — your operator briefing
Alberta Childcare Changes
What Bill 35 could mean for your program
Alberta’s proposed Bill 35 could have implications for your next license renewal, plans to open or expand, and how your program responds to safety concerns.
The proposals include consideration of local demand and financial history in licensing decisions, alongside stronger safety-plan and parent-notification requirements.
We’ve prepared a practical four-page guide to help you understand the changes, identify what matters to your program and prepare questions for the implementation process. It also includes guidance on managing your responsibilities as both an employer and a license holder.
These changes are still proposed.
The guide separates what you can prepare now from details that require further clarification.
Supporting safer care and informed families
Every child deserves to be safe and well cared for. We welcome the ministry’s efforts to strengthen childcare safety, accountability and transparency, and recognize the importance of families receiving timely, accurate information about their children’s care.
Clear guidance will help operators understand their responsibilities and prepare thoughtfully as the proposals move forward.
Inside the guide:
• Understand the proposals: What could change in licensing, educator certification, safety plans and parent communication.
• Consider your plans: How local demand, existing capacity and financial history could affect new centres, expansion and license renewals.
• Prepare your team: Practical considerations for responding to allegations, protecting confidentiality and managing your responsibilities as an employer and license holder.
• Find reliable information: Direct links to government documents and relevant support contacts.
Important Regulatory Timeline
These changes have not passed into law. Stakeholder engagement is planned for January 2027, with implementation expected March 1, 2027, subject to passage and proclamation.
What happens next?
Continue following current requirements. In the meantime, use the guide to identify questions about your program, review your policies and consider how the proposals could affect future plans.
We appreciate the care and responsibility operators and educators bring to their work every day. Clear information and practical preparation will help programs support the shared goal of keeping children safe and families informed.
If you would like help reviewing your policies or working through considerations for your program, I’m happy to connect.
Warmly, Krystal Churcher The Churcher Group
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