Fraser Valley families to benefit from new child care spaces. (flickr.com)

Media Contacts

Ministry of Children and Family Development

Government Communications and Public Engagement
250 208-5150

Backgrounders

New child care spaces create more options for families

This backgrounder contains additional information on the four projects that will create 239 new licensed child care spaces in the Fraser Valley, nearly half of which are expected to open this fall.

Sandbox Early Learning - Clearbrook (Abbotsford) 

The Sandbox Early Learning Society is renovating a commercial space to create 99 new licensed child care spaces, including 24 infant and toddler spaces and 75 spaces for children aged three years to kindergarten. Opening in fall 2022, the facility is designed to reflect the history of Indigenous cultures and will offer monthly events to connect all parents within the community, regardless of whether their child is enrolled.

Ewolem Seabird Child and Youth Center (Agassiz) 

Opening January 2023, this wheelchair-accessible facility will be located in the Seabird Island community core and will create 30 new licensed child care spaces for school-age children. This centre is part of a multi-phase project that will include youth drop-in programs, child and youth health professionals, and access to laundry and shower facilities.

Fraser River CEC-Centre of Early Childhood Development & Family Services Inc. (Chilliwack) 

The newly purpose-built child care centre will support essential workers from Chilliwack General Hospital and other families in the community by providing 78 new licensed child care spaces. Opening in fall 2021, the centre will provide 20 infant and toddler spaces, 28 spaces for children aged three years to kindergarten and 30 spaces for school-age children. The facility will offer extended hours of care, as well as provide on-site access to an occupational therapist, counselling, nutritional services and health education programs.

Little Sturgeon Child Care (Hope) 

Opening in fall 2021, Shxw'owhamel First Nation will add a fully accessible modular child care facility on reserve grounds to create 32 new licensed child care spaces, including 12 infant/toddler spaces and 20 spaces for children aged three years to kindergarten. Shxw'owhamel and Tiyt Tribe cultural elements will be incorporated into the design and curriculum, and the facility will support community members interested in pursuing their early childhood educator certification.