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By rdnewsNOW Staff

APPLICATIONS OPEN

Federal-provincial grant investment improving inclusiveness in child-care facilities

May 8, 2025 | 1:04 PM

Applications are open for the second round of the Inclusive Spaces Program Grant, part of an effort to create more inclusive and accessible child-care spaces in Alberta.

Applications close June 13 and up to $5 million will be distributed.

The grants are funded through a joint $15 million federal-provincial investment under the Canada-Alberta Canada-Wide Early Learing and Child Care Agreement.

They are intended to help licensed daycares, preschools and family day home agencies improve their spaces for children with diverse cultural, linguistic and support needs.

In the first intake round, more than 100 projects were approved.

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“Every child deserves access to high quality care that meets their unique needs. This funding is expanding inclusive spaces throughout Alberta – making a difference in every corner of the province,” said Matt Jones, minister of jobs, economy and trade.

Whether it’s through wheelchair-accessible washrooms, sensory-friendly areas, or incorporating multilingual resources into daily programming, the intention is to provide better quality care for Alberta’s children, the government says.

Officials say the Inclusive Spaces Program Grant complements Alberta’s Inclusive Child Care Program and Access, Support and Participation Program, which is meant to help prevent the exclusion of kids with diverse needs.

The third and final round, finishing off the $15 million partnership, is expected in fall this year.

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