Our Approach to Fees
At Tender Tree Montessori, fees are structured to reflect the value of care, learning, staffing, and resources dedicated to supporting children and families in our community. Tuition secures your child’s spot in the program and allows us to maintain consistent staffing, prepared environments, and extended service options.
Fees are not calculated hourly and are not reduced for absences, sick days, vacations, or early pick-ups, as your child’s space remains reserved.
Standard Care (Eligible for Alberta Affordability Grant)
Standard Care Hours:
Monday–Friday | 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Standard care fees are offered at a reduced rate and are supplemented by the Government of Alberta Child Care Affordability Grant, subject to eligibility.
Full-Time Care
Part-Time Care
While tours are not required to enroll, families who choose to tour often feel more confident and informed when making their childcare decision.
Important notes:
Extended Care (Optional Services – Not Subsidized)
Extended care is available to support families who require care outside standard hours. These services are optional and not covered by the Alberta Affordability Grant.
Weekday Extended Care (Monthly)
| Before 6:00 a.m. (5:00–6:00 a.m.) | $138.00 |
|---|---|
| Evening pick-up until 7:00 p.m. | $138.00 |
| Evening pick-up until 9:00 p.m. | $298.00 |
| Hourly extended care (as approved) | $20/hour |
Extended services are charged at face value once scheduled, as spots cannot be reassigned to other children.
Drop-In Care (Optional Services)
Drop-in care is offered based on availability and must be requested in writing.
Drop-In Rates (Monday–Sunday)
| Standard Day (6:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.) | $83.00 |
|---|---|
| Extended Day (5:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.) | $110.00 |
| Statutory Holiday (6:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.) | $198.00 |
| Statutory Holiday (5:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.) | $265.00 |
Requests must be submitted to:
tendertreechildcare@fmmacad.com
Drop-in and weekend services require sufficient enrollment to confirm availability.
Payments, Late Fees & Account Standing
Late Pick-Up Fees
To support staff scheduling and supervision:
Withdrawals & Changes
Tax Receipts
A Note on Community Commitment
We understand that families’ needs change. When challenges arise, we encourage open communication so we can work together respectfully and proactively, within the boundaries required to maintain a sustainable, high-quality program for all families.
Understanding Child Care Funding
Tender Tree Montessori participates in the Alberta Child Care Affordability Grant (AFG), which reduces the cost of standard childcare for eligible families. Funding is provided directly to the program by the Government of Alberta and is applied to offset a portion of monthly fees.
What the Affordability Grant Covers
What the Grant Does Not Cover
These services are charged separately at face value, as they are not eligible for government funding.
Maintaining Funding Eligibility
To remain eligible for the Affordability Grant:
If eligibility changes, families are responsible for the full fee balance.
Faqs
Why are fees not reduced for absences or vacations?
Your tuition secures your child’s space in the program year-round. Staffing, classroom preparation, and licensing ratios must be maintained regardless of attendance, which is why fees remain the same during absences.
Can I pay less if my child attends fewer hours?
No. Fees are not hourly. Tuition reflects enrollment status, staffing, and program costs, not daily attendance. This ensures consistency and sustainability for all families.
What happens if my child attends fewer than 50 hours per month?
Children who attend fewer than 50 hours per month between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday–Friday, are not eligible for the Alberta Affordability Grant. In this case, families will be billed without grant support.
Is part-time care considered drop-in care?
No. Part-time care is offered on a set schedule and is different from drop-in services. Drop-in care is optional, availability-based, and charged at daily rates.
Are extended hours always available?
Extended hours are offered based on availability, staffing, and enrollment capacity. Once approved and scheduled, extended services are billed as reserved services and cannot be credited or reimbursed if unused.
What if I am late picking up my child?
Late pick-ups beyond your scheduled care window are billed at $1.00 per minute. These fees support staffing requirements and must be paid within five business days.
What happens if my account falls behind?
Accounts past due:
- Over 10 days incur a 10% late fee
- Over 60 days may result in a temporary pause in care
- Over 90 days may be forwarded to collections
We encourage families to communicate early if challenges arise so arrangements can be discussed within policy.
Will I receive a tax receipt?
Yes. A year-end tax summary is issued by February 28 for accounts in good standing. Only parent-paid fees appear on tax receipts; government funding is excluded.
Can fees change?
Fees are reviewed annually and align with the fiscal year (April 1 – March 31). Families are notified in advance of any changes.
Do I Have to Apply for the Affordability Grant?
No separate application is required through Tender Tree Montessori for the Alberta Child Care Affordability Grant. You automattly are registered for the program once your child completes their enrolment.
What are my affordability grant responsibilities so as not to loose it
1. Be Enrolled in Standard Care Hours
Your child must be enrolled in standard care between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Extended hours (before 6:00 a.m., after 6:00 p.m., weekends, holidays, and drop-in services) are not eligible for the grant.
2. Meet the Minimum Monthly Hour Requirement
Your child must attend:
- 50–99 hours/month → Part-time eligibility
- 100+ hours/month → Full-time eligibility
Children attending less than 50 hours per month during standard hours are not eligible for the grant and will be billed without funding support.
3. Maintain Accurate Enrollment Information
Families are responsible for:
- Providing accurate enrollment schedules
- Notifying the program of changes to attendance or care needs
- Ensuring grant eligibility is not affected by inconsistent attendance or under-utilization of scheduled hours
If eligibility changes, families are responsible for the full parent fee.
4. Remain in Good Standing
To maintain funding eligibility:
What the Affordability Grant Covers — and What It Doesn’t
The Grant Covers:
✔ Standard weekday childcare only
✔ Monday–Friday, 6:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
✔ Full-time and part-time care (50+ hours/month)
The Grant Does Not Cover:
✘ Extended care (early mornings, evenings)
✘ Weekend or statutory holiday care
✘ Drop-in services
✘ Optional or enrichment services
These services are billed separately at face value.
- Accounts must remain in good standing
- Required documentation must be up to date (as requested by the program or funding body)
Important Reminders for Families
If you are unsure whether your schedule qualifies, we encourage you to speak with our administrative team before scheduling changes.