EXCERPTS
FAMILIES in Surrey will soon have access to over 150 new licensed child care spaces thanks to a $1.25-million investment through the Childcare BC New Spaces Fund.
“Surrey is one of the fastest-growing cities in the province, and there are not enough child care spaces to keep up with demand,” said Katrina Chen, Minister of State for Child Care. “Building more infant and toddler spaces is a priority under Childcare BC. This investment will create 90 of them in Surrey, as well as more than 60 spaces for other age groups, giving more families access to the quality care that they need.”
Five organizations – Creative Moments Child Care, Hope Valley Childcare Centre, Pebble Lane Early Learning, Satnam Education Society of British Columbia and Simply Kids Childcare Centre – are receiving funding to support the creation of 156 new licensed child care spaces at seven facilities in Surrey. Of the 156 new spaces, 90 are for infants and toddlers, 58 are for children aged 30 months to school age, two are preschool spaces and six are spaces for school-age children. Four of these projects will expand existing locations, while three will create new child care facilities.
Many of the organizations will offer additional wraparound services to parents, including assistance for families who are new to Canada, as well as providing supports to low-income families. Several facilities will also offer accessible child care for children with extra-support needs, as well as teach children about Indigenous culture through activities such as storytelling, music and dance.
“These organizations are a great example of what we believe universal care should be, with each one offering supports and services beyond the traditional care model,” said Katrine Conroy, Minister of Children and Family Development. “By providing additional services, these centres will lift up vulnerable families, connect parents to their communities and help them adjust to life in Canada.”
Under the Childcare BC New Spaces Fund, child care providers can apply at any time throughout the year under a new continuous application process.
These new spaces are among the first to be announced under the Childcare BC New Spaces Fund. Since launching the program in July 2018, more than 1,600 new licensed child care spaces have been approved for funding. In addition, more than 400 licensed spaces have been created to date through the Childcare BC Start-Up Grant program. More new spaces will be announced for communities around B.C. as projects are approved.
The $221-million fund will support the creation of approximately 22,000 new licensed child care spaces over the next three years. This initiative is part of the B.C. government’s Childcare BC plan and supports its commitment to give B.C. families access to affordable, quality child care throughout the province.
Bruce Ralston, MLA for Surrey-Whalley, said: “Parents have been struggling to find quality, affordable child care for far too long, and that is especially true in Surrey. This investment in new, high-quality child care spaces is good for families and for our local economy.”
Harry Bains, MLA for Surrey-Newton, added: “Our Childcare BC plan is letting families and child care providers know that we are on their side and that we’re committed to expanding the services we all rely on. I’m glad to see so many new spaces right here in Surrey, one of the fastest growing communities across the province.”
Creative Moments Child Care is receiving $140,688 to create 16 spaces – eight spaces for infants and toddlers, and eight spaces for children aged 30 months to school age.
Hope Valley Childcare Centre is receiving $66,224 to create 49 spaces – 24 spaces for infants and toddlers, and 25 for children aged 30 months to school age.
Pebble Lane Early Learning is receiving $32,301 to expand an existing facility and create 12 new spaces for infants and toddlers.
Satnam Education Society of British Columbia is receiving funding to expand three existing child care facilities:
* Khalsa School, 40677 124 St.: $143,777 to create 10 new infant and toddler spaces.
* Khalsa School, 6962 124 St.: $120,500 to create 20 new spaces – 12 infant and toddler spaces, two preschool spaces, and six spaces for school-age children.
* Khalsa School, 6999 124 St.: $500,000 to create 12 new infant and toddler spaces.
Simply Kids Childcare Centre is receiving $248,250 to create 37 spaces – 12 for infants and toddlers, and 25 for children aged 30 months to school age.
Total funding: $1,251,740 for 156 spaces