Province to remove barriers, make way for more child care at schools

The British Columbia government has introduced Bill 19, aimed at allowing school districts to provide child care services on school grounds, which is a response to families' urgent need for affordable care. Premier David Eby emphasized the importance of this legislation in building a comprehensive child care system across the province. Should the bill pass, school districts will be authorized to care for children of all ages, including infants, during non-school days like breaks and professional development days. This initiative also seeks to enhance sustainable care programs by enabling districts to recover reasonable costs, akin to non-profit centers. Since 2018, the government has significantly expanded child care availability, funding over 41,500 new licensed spaces, with 14,700 situated on school properties.

Community collaboration will play a vital role in determining how to best meet local child care needs. The proposed changes aim to improve access to quality care and familiarize younger children with school environments, enhancing their readiness for future education. The initiative aligns with the government's broader goal of creating a universally accessible child care system in B. C.