SURREY, B.C. – Families across British Columbia are set to benefit from 640 new licensed child care spaces on school grounds, offering easier access to high-quality care for young children as well as before- and after-school programs.
“As the new school year begins, these spaces will make a real difference for families as they settle into their routines,” said Lisa Beare, B.C.’s Minister of Education and Child Care. “With strong partnerships between the Province and school districts, we’re delivering affordable, high-quality child care right where families need it most – in their own communities, at their local schools.”
The $23.5 million investment comes from the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund, supported by both provincial funding and the federal government under the Canada-B.C. Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, recently extended through 2030-31.
Federal Secretary of State for Children and Youth Anna Gainey emphasized the impact of the funding: “This investment will take hundreds of children off wait lists and save parents thousands of dollars. When children have the best start in life, families thrive and all Canadians benefit.”
A total of 18 new child care centres have either opened or will open soon on school grounds, with some operated directly by school district staff. This model helps busy families by combining school and child care in one convenient location.
In Surrey, School District 36 chair Gary Tymoschuk welcomed the expansion: “These investments in reliable, affordable child care will have a profoundly positive impact on families in our community.”
Parents will also see significant savings through the Province’s fee-reduction program, which can cut costs by up to $900 per child per month, with additional help available through the Affordable Child Care Benefit.
Since 2018, B.C. has funded over 41,500 new licensed child care spaces, with 26,200 already open and serving families.