This backgrounder contains additional information on the projects that will create 250 new licensed child care spaces in Vancouver and the surrounding area.

Alderwood House School Dunbar

Eight new infant/toddler spaces are being created. The centre offers an outdoor-based program inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, which encourages children to learn through exploration and discovery. Local parents will have access to workshops on a variety of topics, including healthy sleep habits and developing children’s emotional and social skills through play.

Blue Spruce Montessori

Twenty-two new spaces are being created for children aged three to five. This new centre is located near two local elementary schools and will offer accessible programming and facilities for children with extra support needs. Children will be encouraged to learn through exploration and play, with a large outdoor space offering the opportunity to connect with nature. Parents will also have access to a series of workshops covering key child development topics.

“This funding will give children access to inclusive care, where differences will be supported, celebrated and explored,” said Debbie G. Marette, owner, Blue Spruce Montessori. “The facility will offer a safe space for emotional, social and educational growth, development and learning, with a garden giving a strong connection to nature. It is safe to say that this will have long-lasting and positive impacts — not just for the children, but for the entire community.”

Italian Cultural Centre Society

Twenty-five new spaces are being created for children aged three to five. The centre will offer the only Italian language program in Metro Vancouver, with programming focused on Italian heritage, traditions and culture. Children will have access to the in-house museum, art gallery and library at the cultural centre.

“The Scuola d'Infanzia at the Italian Cultural Centre in Vancouver will be a great opportunity to expand on our mission to provide affordable and innovative daycare for the whole community, in which children find a loving environment to learn Italian in a natural way,” said Edda Onesti, school director, Italian Cultural Centre. “We are deeply grateful to the Childcare BC New Spaces Fund for making this possible through its generous support.”

Kiddy Junction Academy

Thirty-seven new spaces are being created – 14 infant/toddler spaces and 23 for children aged three to five. The centre works with several local organizations to offer culturally appropriate programming with an Indigenous focus and also works with Vancouver Children’s Hospital and other services to help children with extra-support needs. A bursary and priority access are available for vulnerable families.

Neighborhood Montessori Learning

Thirty-two spaces are being created for children aged three to five. The centre is wheelchair accessible and offers healthy snacks for children. Parents are encouraged to take an active part in the centre, joining a monthly discussion to exchange ideas, meet parents in the community and swap clothing or toys.

“We believe that proper and quality child care is important in the upbringing of a child and is critical to building a strong foundation in their lives,” said Carolina L. Gonzalo, Neighborhood Montessori Learning. “The Childcare BC New Spaces Fund is a great initiative from our government to create quality facilities throughout our province. It helps families access affordable child care and gives children the opportunity to learn in a quality and safe environment. We are grateful to be part of the initiative as we will be able to provide affordable, quality child care to the community.” 

New Beginnings Early Learning

Eighty-six new spaces are being created – 36 infant/toddler spaces and 50 for children aged three to five. Programming at the centre will be inclusive, with accessible facilities and sensory toys available to children with extra-support needs. The centre offers a cultural immersion program, with parents invited to share their culture, background and traditions with children. A hot-lunch program will also highlights different cultural dishes each month. Staff are fluent in multiple languages, including Korean, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Punjabi, Hindi, Arabic, Spanish, Croatian and French.

Vancouver Hebrew Academy Daycare

Twenty spaces are being created for children aged three to five. The centre will help children develop a life-long love of Torah Judaism and strengthen their connection to their Jewish identity. The play-based program will encourage children to discover and explore the world around them in an inclusive learning environment that will help them grow their social, emotional and communication skills, as well as develop physically, spiritually and cognitively.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer this to the community,” said Rabbi Don Pacht, head of school, Vancouver Hebrew Academy. “We are all aware of the great need for child care in the Lower Mainland. Here, families can meet this need while simultaneously enriching their children’s experiences in meaningful ways. We thank the Vancouver Board of Education for helping us secure this funding and the Ministry of Children and Family Development for making this dream a reality.”

Wonder of Learning

Twenty spaces are being created for school-age children. The centre is located near several local schools and offers a variety of activities, including music and dance lessons, yoga, cooking and art. Programming will also be available in Cantonese, French and Spanish. The centre will provide breakfast and afternoon snacks to children, and will offer a variety of workshops on subjects such as preparing for school and dealing with anxiety.

In addition, three projects were previously announced at the University of British Columbia, creating 91 new licensed child care spaces – 36 infant/toddler spaces, 25 spaces for children aged three to five years and 30 spaces for school-age children.