Summary

• Approximately 1,200 new before- and after-school child care spaces on school grounds are expected to open in the next year
• Twenty-two school districts are receiving capital funding for these spaces through a new child care capital funding program
• School districts will also be able to apply for funding from a $2.9-million program in fall 2026 to help create board-operated school-age child care programs on school grounds

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Families in 22 school districts will soon have access to approximately 1,200 new licensed before- and after-school child care spaces, created by repurposing existing space in schools.

“Before and after school can be a hectic time for parents and caregivers. By creating more child care on school grounds, we are giving more families access to convenient, high-quality child care, in places they already know and trust,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care and acting Minister of Infrastructure. “Empowering school districts to repurpose existing child-centred spaces for before- and after-school care is another important piece of a child care system that works for families, kids and communities.”

Expanding space creation

The new spaces are funded through $5 million in child care capital funding from the Ministry of Infrastructure to support renovations and the repurposing of existing space in school buildings to create new child care spaces. Twenty-two school districts are receiving a share of the investment to create approximately 1,200 new before- and after-school child care spaces, which are expected to open in the next year. These new spaces will provide greater access for families that have faced barriers to finding affordable, high-quality child care close to home.

In addition to capital funding, school districts are receiving support through the Ministry of Education and Child Care to help establish and operate the new programs, including $20 million to support operating costs in the next three years.

The Ministry of Education and Child Care has also invested $2 million to help cover startup costs for successful minor capital projects, such as staff training and the purchase of small equipment and toys. This startup funding builds on work to remove the barriers school districts and operators have identified when creating spaces on school grounds. In the fall of 2025, government passed the School Amendment Act, legislation to further empower school boards to operate child care programs.

Expanding school-age care

School districts will also have access to a $2.9-million provincial investment to create board-operated school-age care programs on school grounds. Funding applications will open this fall, with support available for startup costs, minor capital improvements and early operating expenses to help create new spaces over the next two years.

Helping more B.C. families

Families that attend the programs created through these initiatives will benefit from affordable child care fees through the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative. This program reduces the cost of child care by as much as $320 per child per month for school-age care.

Families that need additional support with the cost of child care may be eligible for the Affordable Child Care Benefit, which can provide additional assistance to further reduce child care costs for those most in need.

For more information about ChildCareBC, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/childcare

Quotes:

Leanne Lee, board chair, Nanaimo Ladysmith Public School District –

“Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools has benefited greatly from provincial support to grow our school-based childcare from five to 12 programs across our district and to nearly 500 spaces. Investing in before- and after-school child care at schools helps parents and caregivers balance work and family responsibilities and creates more opportunities in our schools for children to belong, grow and thrive.”

George Anderson, MLA, Nanaimo-Lantzville –

“Families in Nanaimo deserve access to affordable, convenient child care that fits into their daily lives. Creating new before- and after-school care spaces will help parents manage busy schedules while giving children a safe and supportive place to learn and play. I’m proud to see this investment strengthening supports for local families and for our growing community.”

Sheila Malcolmson, MLA, Nanaimo-Gabriola Island –

“Co-locating childcare with schools is a win-win: Funding before-and-after-school child care spaces makes life more affordable and easier for Nanaimo families.”

Non Ha, executive director, B.C. Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils –

“Access to child care on school grounds can make a meaningful difference in the everyday lives of families. It can simplify drop-offs and pickups, reduce the pressure of balancing work, school and caregiving responsibilities, and provide children with a familiar and supportive environment before and after the school day. BCCPAC welcomes continued efforts to expand accessible, affordable and inclusive child care, and we encourage continued investment that keeps the experiences and evolving needs of families at the centre of planning and decision-making.”

Quick Facts:

• Families have access to almost 52,000 child care spaces on school grounds in the province, a 61% increase since the launch of ChildCareBC in 2018.
• Parents have saved more than $3.9 billion on child care through B.C.’s affordability programs since 2018-19.
• The number of certified early childhood educators in B.C. has increased by more than 15,000, with nearly 32,000 certified early childhood educators in the province.

A backgrounder follows.