Is Curio Cove Childcare Eligible for BC's $10-a-Day Program?

If you're searching for childcare in Castlegar, BC, you've probably heard about the province's $10 a Day ChildCareBC program.

For many families, the program can make a significant difference in monthly childcare costs. But there's an important distinction to understand:

Being a licensed childcare provider does not automatically mean a centre is a $10-a-day childcare provider.

The $10-a-day program is a specific government-funded program for approved childcare spaces. Providers must be selected and funded to participate.

So, is Curio Cove Childcare currently part of the $10-a-day program?

Based on the information currently published on Curio Cove Childcare's website, the centre provides licensed childcare and offers infant, toddler, preschool, and early-learning programs in Castlegar. However, its website does not currently state that Curio Cove is a participating $10-a-Day ChildCareBC centre.

That means families should not assume that Curio Cove's regular childcare fees are capped at $10 per day.

The best way to confirm the current funding status and applicable fees is to contact Curio Cove directly.

What Is the $10-a-Day ChildCareBC Program?

The $10 a Day ChildCareBC program is a provincial affordability program designed to reduce the amount families pay for eligible childcare spaces.

At participating centres, the government provides operating funding that allows parent fees to be significantly reduced.

B.C. has described the program as reducing the average cost of full-time, centre-based care from approximately $1,120 per month to $200 per month, or about $10 per day, for participating spaces.

However, the name can sometimes create confusion.

"$10 a day" does not mean that every daycare in British Columbia costs $10 per day.

It refers specifically to childcare spaces that are part of the government-funded program.

Does Every Licensed Daycare Qualify for $10-a-Day Childcare?

No.

This is one of the most important things parents should understand when comparing childcare centres.

A childcare centre can be licensed and still not be part of the $10-a-day program.

B.C. has separate affordability programs, including the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI), which helps participating licensed providers reduce monthly parent fees. The province reported that 97% of eligible licensed centres were participating in CCFRI as of 2026.

The $10-a-day program is different.

It involves specific spaces at approved participating providers.

So when you're looking for daycare in Castlegar, ask whether the centre participates in:

• $10 a Day ChildCareBC
• Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative
• Affordable Child Care Benefit
• Other applicable childcare affordability programs

These programs can have very different eligibility rules and effects on your final childcare costs.

What Does "Eligible" Mean for a Childcare Centre?

It's important to distinguish between family eligibility and provider eligibility.

Provider Eligibility

A childcare provider must be approved to participate in the relevant government program. The $10-a-day model provides operating funding to participating childcare facilities, allowing them to offer designated spaces at significantly reduced parent fees.

Family Eligibility

For $10-a-day spaces, the program itself is not income-tested. B.C. states that families using $10-a-day sites can access those spaces regardless of their financial circumstances.

Families may also qualify for additional assistance through other programs, depending on their circumstances.

This means: A family can be eligible to attend a $10-a-day centre, but that does not mean every childcare centre the family considers is automatically a $10-a-day centre.

What Does the $10-a-Day Program Mean for Castlegar Families?

The program is particularly important for families trying to manage the cost of childcare in smaller communities.

Castlegar already has childcare providers participating in the $10-a-day program.

In March 2025, B.C. announced additional $10-a-day spaces in Castlegar through Kootenay Family Place's Castlegar & District Kids' Club, which received 25 additional $10-a-day spaces.

That means families in Castlegar may have access to $10-a-day childcare depending on the provider, program, age group, and available spaces.

But availability matters.

A centre may participate in a government affordability program and still have a waitlist.

What About Curio Cove Childcare?

Curio Cove Childcare is a childcare centre in Castlegar, BC, serving children through its infant, toddler, preschool, and early-learning programs. The centre describes its approach around safe, nurturing care, qualified educators, learning through play, indoor and outdoor experiences, creative activities, and age-appropriate development.

Infant & Toddler Care

Curio Cove provides care for young children from infancy through the toddler years, with programs designed around routines, responsive care, exploration, communication, movement, and early development.

Preschool

The preschool program is designed for children aged 3–5 years and focuses on confidence, communication, independence, creativity, early learning, and school readiness.

Early Learning Activities

Children participate in experiences such as:

• Storytelling
• Circle time
• Music
• Movement
• Sensory activities
• Creative projects
• Group participation
• Indoor learning
• Outdoor exploration

These experiences are designed to support children's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.

Is Curio Cove Currently a $10-a-Day Daycare?

Curio Cove's current website does not publicly identify the centre as a $10-a-day ChildCareBC provider.

That is an important distinction.

We recommend that families contact Curio Cove directly for the current fee structure and applicable government funding information rather than assuming the $10-a-day rate applies.

Curio Cove's website provides a direct contact option and invites families to join the waitlist or book a tour.

This is especially important because government childcare programs and funding arrangements can change over time.

A Major 2026 Update: New $10-a-Day Providers Are Currently Paused

If you're reading older articles about B.C.'s $10-a-day program, you may see information saying that licensed childcare providers can apply to become $10-a-day providers.

That information may now be outdated.

In Budget 2026, the Province announced a stabilization period during which it is pausing enrolment of new providers into the $10-a-Day ChildCareBC program.

The Province also stated that families and providers already participating in the $10-a-day program will see no changes.

This matters when searching for information about a childcare centre's eligibility.

A provider that is already participating can continue under the program, while a provider that is not currently participating cannot simply assume it can enroll as a new provider during the pause.

Does That Mean Curio Cove Cannot Offer Affordable Childcare?

No.

The $10-a-day program is only one part of B.C.'s childcare affordability system.

The Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI) provides funding to participating licensed childcare providers to reduce parent fees.

B.C. reported that CCFRI participation covered 97% of eligible licensed centres and that the program has helped families save billions in childcare fees since its introduction.

Families may also qualify for the Affordable Child Care Benefit (ACCB).

Depending on a family's circumstances, ACCB support can provide additional assistance with childcare costs.

In other words: Not being a $10-a-day space does not automatically mean a childcare centre is unaffordable. Parents should look at the actual fee after applicable reductions and benefits. For more details on budgeting, check out our guide on daycare costs in Castlegar.

$10-a-Day vs. Fee Reduction Programs: What's the Difference?

It's easy to confuse these programs because both are designed to make childcare more affordable.

$10-a-Day ChildCareBC

This is a specific funding model for approved participating childcare spaces. Families at participating sites pay no more than the applicable capped parent fee for eligible care arrangements. B.C.'s public information describes full-time regular-hours care at participating sites as up to $200 per month per child.

Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative

CCFRI reduces the regular parent fee at participating licensed childcare providers. The amount of the reduction depends on the type of care and other program factors.

Affordable Child Care Benefit

ACCB is additional financial assistance for eligible families. Unlike $10-a-day spaces, ACCB eligibility is based on factors such as household circumstances and income.

These programs can interact, so families should determine which supports apply to their situation.

What Should You Ask Curio Cove About Childcare Fees?

If you're considering Curio Cove Childcare, don't hesitate to ask specific questions about affordability.

Here are some useful questions to bring to a tour or phone call:

1. What is the current monthly fee for my child's age group?
   Infant, toddler, and preschool fees may differ.
2. Does Curio Cove participate in CCFRI?
   If so, ask how the applicable reduction is reflected in your parent fee.
3. Is Curio Cove currently a $10-a-Day ChildCareBC provider?
   Ask specifically about the current status rather than relying on older online information.
4. Are there any additional fees?
   Ask about registration, supplies, meals, extended hours, or other potential charges.
5. Does my family qualify for ACCB?
   The centre may be able to direct you to the appropriate provincial information, although families are responsible for determining their own eligibility.
6. Is there currently a space available?
   A childcare centre can have an affordable fee structure but still have limited availability.

Curio Cove currently provides a waitlist form where families can indicate the program they need, preferred start date, days of care, and preferred schedule.

What If You're Looking for $10-a-Day Childcare in Castlegar?

If your priority is specifically finding a $10-a-day daycare in Castlegar, don't limit your search to the phrase "daycare."

Instead, look for centres that are specifically identified as $10 a Day ChildCareBC providers.

You can then contact those centres directly to ask:

• Which age groups have funded spaces?
• How many $10-a-day spaces are available?
• Is there a waitlist?
• What are the hours?
• Is the space full-time or part-time?
• What happens when my child changes age groups?
• Are there additional fees?

The provincial program has a limited number of designated spaces, so finding a $10-a-day centre does not necessarily mean a space is immediately available.

How Can Curio Cove Help Families?

Even when comparing childcare costs, families should consider the overall experience their child will receive.

Curio Cove focuses on creating a safe and nurturing environment where children can learn, play, explore, build confidence, and develop independence.

The centre's programs include:

• Infant care
• Toddler care
• Preschool
• Early learning activities
• Creative arts and sensory play
• Indoor and outdoor exploration
• Music and movement
• Storytelling
• Group learning
• Guided play

This means parents can evaluate Curio Cove based not only on the monthly fee, but also on the quality, structure, learning experiences, environment, and support provided throughout the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for Affordable Childcare in Castlegar?

Choosing childcare is about more than finding the lowest advertised price.

You want a place where your child can feel safe, supported, valued, and encouraged to learn while your family has confidence in the care they're receiving.

Curio Cove Childcare provides infant, toddler, and preschool programs in Castlegar, with a focus on nurturing relationships, play-based learning, creative exploration, and age-appropriate development.

If you're considering Curio Cove for your child, the next step is simple.

Contact us to ask about current fees, program availability, applicable childcare funding, and enrollment options.

Book a Tour

Come see the environment, meet the educators, and ask your questions in person. Book a tour today.

Join Our Waitlist

If you're not ready to enroll yet, you can submit your childcare requirements and preferred start date through the Curio Cove waitlist.