Start a childcare co-operative in Alberta

Childcare co-operatives are a well-established way for parents, community members, economic development officers, and municipal and business leaders to work together to create licensed childcare spaces. If you’re in western Canada, now is the time to start — and Co-operatives First can help. 

  • The Government of Alberta aims to maintain an average of $10/day childcare by 2026.
  • Space Creation Funding ranges from $5,000 to $6,000 per licensed spot. The government is providing capital grant funding to assist in creating these spaces.
  • Ongoing Operational Support :
    • Affordability grants
    • Subsidies to lower-income families
    • Wage top-up mechanism

Watch this webinar to learn about current government targets for childcare spaces, how to secure funding, the steps to starting a childcare co-op and who should be involved, and examples of rural childcare co-ops. Ready to get started? Scroll down to download our customized workbook and financials template to help you plan your co-op. And don’t forget to fill out our request for support form to request our help! We can help you get your childcare co-op up and running.

Downloadable guides for starting a childcare co-op in Alberta

For Alberta residents, we’ve devised workbooks to help guide you through the process of planning a childcare co-operative. Enter your information below to access these resources — and fill out this form for more support to get your childcare co-op started!


“Heather and the team at Co-operatives First are top-notch. Not only their knowledge but their understanding of the project. They have truly helped us along every step of the way. Their timely response and knowledge of the steps are extraordinary. They are forthcoming with information. This is one of the most knowledgeable and friendliest teams I have ever had the pleasure of working with.”

Weyburn Theatre

“Co-operatives First made the process of establishing our Artisan Co-operative a very clear and easy process. The expanse of available tools and resources provided by Co-operatives First answers many questions and lightens the workload. Greatly appreciate having the connections made with Trista and Kyle, they keep the co-operative moving forward.”

Nehiyawaskiy Indigenous Peoples Art Co-op

“Our experience working with the Co-operatives First team was absolutely fabulous. The staff was accommodating, knowledgeable and patient. It was truly a breath of fresh air to have such a wealth of skill and resources available to a non-profit. They were invaluable to our successful launch!”

Heart Linked Community Services Cooperative

“Working with Co-operatives First was fantastic! We are still new to the cooperative world, and we relied heavily on their advice and expertise when drafting our rules/bylaws, and our memorandum of association. The team has experience with many different cooperative models, so they provided advice on what has and hasn’t worked for other cooperatives. We wouldn’t have been able to incorporate without their help!”

Ananda Cooperative

“We have had a very positive experience with everyone at Co-operatives First. They have helped us in multiple ways. Right from the first step in knowing how to incorporate, how to set our business and offering ideas for us to help steer us in the right direction plus allowing us to really make our own decisions. If our decisions go off track, they have gently guided us back to where we needed to be. The Co-operatives first guys are always eager to answer questions, and give ideas to us that got us off the ground.”

South East Butcher Block