The provincial government will be moving forward with fully integrating before- and after-school care into B.C. schools, staffed by K-12 school support workers.
This initiative will use existing school space as well as school district resources and staff to provide seamless care without additional pickups and drop-offs for families.
CUPE BC President Karen Ranalletta joined Premier David Eby to announce the project this week in Victoria.
“We are excited to partner with government to help make lives easier for parents and continue to offer the same high-quality support to children before and after school that they receive during school hours,” said Ranalletta. “We recognize the need that families face in finding childcare and our members are proud to be part of the solution.”
Three school districts have been selected to pilot the initiative this fall: Chilliwack, Nanaimo-Ladysmith and Nechako Lakes. Education Assistants, Early childhood educators and other support staff in these school districts will provide learning and care for children in classrooms and school spaces. This will mean more hours for school support staff in these districts, and provide much needed childcare in their communities.
Each district will create a model of care that meets provincial guidelines and local needs. The initiative will be evaluated and lessons will support ongoing expansion in other districts across the province.