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By Liam Verster-Vernon Matters

36 NEW SPACES

More affordable child care coming to Shuswap area

Oct 4, 2022 | 5:26 AM

SALMON ARM, B.C. — Families in the Shuswap will be able to access more affordable child care spaces in the future.

The B.C. government is converting 36 child care spaces into $10-a-day spaces, nearly doubling the total amount of affordable child care spots in the area.

The newly approved spaces at Shuswap Day Care Centre in Salmon Arm include 12 spots for infants and toddlers and 24 for children two and half years old to kindergarten age.

“Words cannot express the excitement we are all feeling toward the $10-a-day child care,” President of the Shuswap Day Care Society Board Kelsey Fenske said.

“When the board heard we got accepted, we couldn’t believe it at first. It was too good to be true. We have had lots of positive remarks. This was a unanimous decision with the board and management to apply for the $10-a-day program. This will be one of the best decisions the board has ever made and, for that, families will be forever grateful.”

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It’s estimated spaces in the $10-a-day program reduces the average cost of child care services for British Columbians $800 a month per child.

“Affordable child care can be life changing, and we’re one step closer to making that a reality for all families in B.C. The $10-a-day program and the significant fee reductions recently announced are both part of our plan to make child care a core service that every family can access and afford,” Minister of State for Child Care Katrina Chenn said.

As of April 2022, there are approximately 6,500 $10-a-day spaces across B.C., and the province plans to increase that to 12,500 spaces by the end of the year.

“Our governments are making affordable, high-quality, flexible and inclusive child care a reality,” Karina Gould, federal minister of families, children and social development, said.

“Through our transformative investments, we remain focused on making life more affordable for families and giving every child the best possible start in life.”