B.C. Government Proposes New Childcare Legislation for Schools

The government of British Columbia (B.C.) has announced new legislation aimed at increasing childcare options within schools. If approved, the proposed law would allow schools to host daycare facilities for infants and toddlers, as well as expand before-and-after school care to include services during school holidays, such as Christmas and summer breaks.

At a press conference on March 5, 2024, B.C. Premier David Eby emphasized the potential positive impact on families. “Today is what I hope will be life-changing for many parents,” he stated, highlighting the pressing need for accessible childcare in the province.

Current challenges for parents in B.C. include significant waitlists, high costs, and a shortage of qualified staff. Additionally, only a small fraction of families benefit from the province’s $10 per day childcare program. The recent announcement has sparked optimism among childcare advocates who have been urging the government to fulfill its commitments in this area.

Sharon Gregson, spokesperson for the $10aDay Child Care campaign, expressed her relief: “After a year or two of stalling on progress for childcare, to have this announcement today is really good news.” She has long advocated for modifications to the School Act to enhance childcare accessibility.

Key Questions Remain Regarding Implementation

Despite the hopeful outlook, questions about implementation linger. Gregson raised concerns about whether the daycare spaces created under this new legislation will also be offered at the $10 per day rate and who will be responsible for staffing these facilities. “If they’re publicly funded and on public school sites, we think they should be $10 per day programs,” she stated, emphasizing the need for qualified early childhood educators to work with younger children.

The specific details regarding staffing and funding were not clarified by Eby or representatives from the Ministry of Education. Eby hinted at the possibility of utilizing part-time support workers, such as educational assistants (EAs), to help staff expanded daycare services during school closures.

“CUPE is the union that represents the support workers in many schools. They have indicated that not only are the buildings available, but so are the workers who would like to transition from part-time roles to full-time positions,” Eby noted.

Infrastructure Challenges Ahead

The establishment of daycare facilities on school grounds will require adequate space, which may pose a challenge in some districts. “At some schools and school districts, space is at a premium,” Gregson pointed out, suggesting that new modular buildings may be necessary to accommodate these changes.

As the legislation moves forward, it will undergo readings, debates, and votes before any changes can be implemented. The government’s proposal has the potential to reshape childcare access in B.C., but the actual rollout will depend on how individual school boards respond to the new opportunities.

In the coming months, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how these changes unfold and whether they will effectively address the pressing childcare needs of families across British Columbia.