The B.C. government has introduced new legislation aimed at expanding child care across the province by making better use of existing school facilities.
Bill 19, the School Amendment Act, would give school districts the authority to offer child care for children of all ages, including infants and toddlers. It would also allow care to be provided during non-instructional days such as professional development days, as well as during winter, spring, and summer breaks.
The proposed changes aim to ease the burden on families struggling to find reliable and affordable care. If passed, the legislation would enable school districts to recover reasonable costs and participate in provincial affordability programs. These include the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative, which lowers fees by up to $900 per child per month, and the Affordable Child Care Benefit.
The government has already funded more than 41,500 new licensed child care spaces since 2018. Over 14,000 of those are on school grounds, with more than 7,600 already in operation across 43 districts.
Officials say this move supports a more seamless and sustainable child care system by helping children adjust to school environments early, while also giving parents better access to care that fits their schedules.
The province plans to continue working with local governments, school districts, and First Nations to expand services and meet growing demand.
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