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By Veronica Beltran

child care

New child care spaces coming to PG and Valemount

Sep 10, 2020 | 4:00 AM

PRINCE GEORGE—Families in B.C.’s Northern Capital and Valemount will soon have access to new licensed child care spaces.

The new spaces are part of the Province’s ongoing commitment to increasing child care throughout the pandemic and beyond.

“These new child care spaces in Prince George and Valemount mean more families will have access to this vital service, allowing more parents to participate in the community and economy.”—Katrine Conroy, Minister of Children and Family Development

The Childcare BC Spaces Fund is supporting the City of Prince George to create 73 new child care spaces, including 25 group child care spaces for ages 30 months to school age, and 48 school-age spaces at the YMCA Park House Care and Early Learning Centre.

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“On behalf of Prince George City Council, I would like to offer our sincere thanks to the Government of B.C. and the Union of BC Municipalities Community (UBCM) for their investment in child care for our community,” said Prince George Mayor, Lyn Hall. “The development of new child care spaces, particularly in our downtown core, helps to fulfil a critical need that was clearly demonstrated by the city’s child care needs assessment.”

“The centre will support children to have the best opportunity for early learning through the YMCA national curriculum, Playing to Learn, in a stimulating, accessible and home-like environment.”—Amanda Alexander, CEO, YMCA of Northern BC

Additionally, the City received funding through the UBCM Child Care Space Creation Program for 12 infant/toddler spaces, bringing the total of licensed spaces to 85.

The Village of Valemount is receiving funding to create 72 new spaces – 24 preschool spaces, 24 school-aged spaces and 24 group multi-age spaces – at the Robson Valley Community Services Society (RVCS) Children’s Centre. The centre will be on the ground floor of a new women’s affordable housing building and will be operated by the RVCS. In addition to its child care programming, RVCS will offer parenting courses and after-hours family support drop-in programs. The centre is expected to open in spring 2022.