BC NDP MLA Harwinder Sandhu says before- and after-school care spaces coming to four schools in SD22

VERNON– New Democrat MLA Harwinder Sandhu says that families in Vernon and Coldstream 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.

“Working parents and guardians often face many challenges when it comes to accessing quality childcare, that’s why our government has made record investments in childcare,” said Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Lumby. “Having worked shift work and in healthcare throughout my career, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to find childcare outside school hours. Too many parents are forced to choose between work and their families because the options simply aren’t there. Bringing before- and after-school care directly into schools in Vernon and Coldstream will be life-changing for so many families. It means more flexibility, less stress, and peace of mind for parents, especially those working shifts and providing essential services in our community.”

The Vernon School District (SD22) will benefit from over 70 new spaces at four different schools:

  • Okanagan Landing Elementary (15 school-age spaces) in Vernon
  • Ecole Beairsto Elementary (30 school-age spaces) in Vernon
  • Kidston Elementary (13 school-age spaces) in Coldstream
  • Lavington Elementary (15 school-age spaces) in Coldstream

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.