B.C. Schools Expand Child-Care Access with 640 New Spaces

Politicians and community leaders gathered at the Ta’talu Child Care Centre in South Surrey on March 15, 2024, to celebrate the introduction of 640 new child-care spaces across British Columbia’s schools. The event highlighted the importance of expanding access to quality child care for families, particularly those with young children.

After a ceremonial blessing by Semiahmoo First Nation Chief Harley Chappell, attendees were informed about the significant strides made in child care within the province. Lisa Beare, British Columbia’s Minister of Education and Child Care, emphasized the value of partnerships with school districts, stating, “We continue to work towards child care in every community. We now have 156,000 spaces that are provincially funded, saving families half of their previous child care fees.”

Beare noted that when the current government took office, child care fees averaged $47 per day. Today, families typically pay about $19 per day, thanks to government investments and community collaboration. She pledged to continue creating safe child-care environments in schools, allowing families the convenience of a single drop-off and pick-up location.

Parent Adriana Arango, whose child attends the Ta’talu centre, shared the benefits of this new arrangement. “This isn’t just good for parents; it strengthens our entire school community as children become familiar with their local school before starting kindergarten,” she said.

Federal and provincial representatives highlighted the broader impact of these new child-care spaces. South Surrey-White Rock MP Ernie Klassen remarked on the necessity of affordable, high-quality child care for families across Canada. He pointed out that since 2018, more than 41,000 new spaces have been funded in British Columbia, positively affecting nearly 900,000 children nationwide. “Families are saving thousands of dollars each year while communities and our economy grow stronger,” he noted.

The provincial government allocated over $23.5 million in funding through the ChildCareBC New Spaces program to support the creation of these new spaces. Gary Tymoschuk, chair of the Surrey school board, praised the dedication of staff and child-care providers in developing warm and welcoming environments for children and families. “The investments made by the federal and provincial governments will have a profoundly positive impact on Surrey,” he said.

Anna Gainey, federal Secretary of State for Children and Youth, also stressed the significance of these investments. She stated that this initiative will alleviate wait lists and save parents substantial amounts in child-care fees. “When children have the best start in life, families thrive, and all Canadians benefit,” she concluded.

The event at Ta’talu Child Care Centre marked a significant step forward in addressing the child-care needs of families in British Columbia, underscoring the ongoing commitment to providing accessible and affordable care for all children.