BC providing funding for hundreds of school-based child care programs

The BC government is funding new child care spaces through school districts across the province.

This funding will allow schools to repurpose existing space to launch new before- and after-school child care programs.

School districts can apply for up to $5 million in capital investments from the Province to complete necessary renovations to open the child care spaces. 

Successful applicants will also be eligible for additional funding to support these spaces, including $20 million for operating costs over the next three years.

“Schools are community hubs and this funding will help schools turn available space into much-needed before- and after-school child care, faster,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care. 

“School districts have been clear; this support is critical to creating more child care spaces for families.”

The Province says this endeavour is the first of its kind, and as a result of this $64 million investment, families in 17 communities will access nearly 900 new child care spaces. 

On Vancouver Island, the following schools have received funding:

• Courtenay – Vanier Child Care Centre – 108 spaces (36 spaces for infant-toddler, 48 spaces for 30 months to kindergarten, 24 spaces for school-age care on school grounds)
• Duncan – SD 79 Minor – Drinkwater Elementary Out of School Care – 12 spaces for school-age on school grounds
• Fanny Bay – Little Oysters and Child care – 52 spaces (36 spaces for 30 months to kindergarten, 16 spaces for group multi-age care)
• Victoria – Tolmie Child Care – 16 spaces (eight spaces for 30 months to kindergarten, eight spaces for multi-age group care)

In total, Vancouver Island has already had 200 new child care spaces accounted for with this funding.

“Building stand-alone facilities can be costly and time-consuming,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure. 

“By making better use of space schools already have, this approach reduces barriers and encourages school districts to plan and invest in their current infrastructure.” 

The 900 identified child care spaces are slated to open in time for the fall 2026 school year.