BC NDP MLA Amelia Boultbee says before- and after-school care spaces coming to École Entre-Lacs school in Penticton

PENTICTON-  New Democrat MLA Amelia Boultbee says that families in Penticton will benefit from more before- and after-school child care spaces on school grounds this year, unlocking access to care closer to where kids and families already are.

“Anything we can do to make parents lives easier is always welcome,” said Amelia Boultbee, MLA for Penticton-Summerland. “These 12 before- and after-school care spaces at Entre Lacs elementary will make a great impact, and I’m looking forward to hearing from parents on what it means to have one easy drop off and pick up location for their kids.”

École Entre-Lacs (SD93) in Penticton will add 12 before-and after-school childcare spaces for school-aged children.

Across B.C., 22 school districts are receiving funding to open nearly 1,200 new before- and after-school spaces this year.

The new spaces are funded through $5 million in capital funding from the Ministry of Infrastructure to support renovations and the repurposing of existing space in school buildings. School districts are also receiving support through the Ministry of Education and Child Care, including $20 million to support operating costs over the next three years, and $2 million for costs such as staff training and purchasing equipment.

School districts will also have access to a $2.9 million provincial investment to create more board-operated school age care programs over the next two years, with funding applications opening this fall.

Families who attend the programs created through these initiatives will benefit from the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative, which reduces the cost of child care by up to $320 per child per month for school age care. Those families that need additional support may also be eligible for the Affordable Child Care Benefit.