NEWS RELEASE
2022NRSD4609
May 13, 2022
Pender Harbour and Sechelt parents to benefit from new child care spaces
SUNSHINE COAST, BRITISH COLUMBIA – Families in Pender Harbour and Sechelt will have access to 66 new licensed child care spaces as part of the government’s commitment to increase access to child care throughout the province. In Pender Harbour, Childcare BC’s New Spaces Fund is supporting the school district to create 12 infant/toddler spaces, 24 spaces for children aged three years to kindergarten and 30 spaces for school-age children. The after-school care will be provided in Madeira Park Elementary and the district plans to build a new facility on the school grounds to house child care for the younger children.
In Sechelt, the grant will equip the child care recently constructed through the expansion of West Sechelt Elementary. At this site 12 infant-toddler spaces and 16 spaces for preschool age children have been created. Child Care in Sechelt will be provided by the YMCA, while the Madeira Park site announcement is brand new and the provider still to be determined.
Quotes:
“As a School District we are so excited to be able to offer group childcare at the North end of the Sunshine Coast. Pender Harbour has had a great need for childcare and we now can fulfill this essential need. We are pleased to move forward in partnership to offer these quality childcare spaces to the community of Madeira Park.” – Board Chair Amanda Amaral
“We are so pleased! Receiving these grants is a testament to the collaborative efforts of SD46 staff and community partners to address the need for childcare spaces and resources needed to create rich learning experiences and spaces.” – Superintendent Kate Kerr
“The school district is committed to helping families access quality, affordable child care close to home. Children and families benefit when they can access child care with one central drop-off location. We are dedicated to working with our community partners to ensure we have a cohesive strategy for meeting the needs of families across the Sunshine Coast.” – Kirsten Deasey, District Principal of Learning & Innovation
“The Serendipity Child Care is thrilled to know that more spaces will now be available in our community. Our board members have worked hard to support the application for this grant, through surveys, data collection and letters of support. The child care crisis has been especially difficult for small, rural communities, and we see first-hand the challenges families have been facing. This grant announcement is wonderful news.” – Beau Sladey, Board Chair of the Serendipity Child Care in Pender Harbour
Background:
Ministry of Education and Child Care News Release, Thursday, April 21st, 2022: Sunshine Coast families benefit from new child care spaces – https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022ECC0025-000623
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Media Contact:
Stephanie Murawsky
Executive Assistant to the Superintendent | Communications Officer
T: (604) 886-4489 | C: (604) 989-7879