SD91 Nechako Lakes to be part of child care pilot initiative

BRITISH COLUMBIA— The Province has announced that three school districts in B.C. will be set up to have fully integrated before- and after-school care by next fall semester. The initiative will see existing school space, district resources, and staff, provide child care options so parents won’t need to pickup and drop off their child at a different location.

“As a parent, I know how hard it can be to balance work and school hours. It’s hard to find care for your child before school starts or after the bell rings at the end of the day,” said Premier David Eby. “That is why our government is taking action with more before- and after-school child care options. We’re partnering with three school districts to provide care on school grounds so children benefit from familiar faces and places throughout the day and families can count on one pickup and dropoff location.”

Nechako Lakes (SD91), Chilliwack (SD33), and Nanaimo-Ladysmith (SD68) will be part of the new initiative. Early childhood educators and support staff in these districts will provide a space for children on school grounds, providing parents greater flexibility for school dropoff and pickup times.

“Through ChildCareBC, we’re ensuring more families are able to access the child care they need because we know child care needs don’t stop when children start school,” said Mitzi Dean, Minister of State for Child Care. “Co-locating child care on school grounds helps ease children’s transition into school and is more convenient for busy parents.”