File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Minister of State for Child Care Grace Lore

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Childcare savings expanded to more families across B.C.

Sep 13, 2023 | 10:01 AM

SEPTEMBER CAN BE AN EXPENSIVE TIME for families. Sending kids back to school can mean new clothes, school supplies, and fees and equipment for sports and other activities.

On top of that, childcare fees don’t end when kids start school and the cost for care for children outside of school hours can have a real impact on families in our communities.

We know families need a break. That’s why we’re helping to lighten the load with new savings on before-and after-school childcare programs.

As of September 1, families at participating before- and after-school programs will see their fees reduced by up to $145 per month, per child. These savings will also apply to children in participating half-day preschool programs.

Parents don’t need to apply – back-to-school is busy enough for parents and families – and the savings will be automatically deducted from their bills. There are no income requirements for these savings.

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Since 2018, we’ve been working to make childcare more accessible and affordable to every family in B.C. that wants it. We’ve already cut fees by up to $900 per month for children who are kindergarten-age or younger – savings which many families have told us are life-changing.

With the expansion of savings to older children, more families will benefit from this program.

For families who need more support, the Affordable Child Care Benefit reduces costs even further for those with family incomes below $111,000. You can confirm your eligibility and access information at gov.bc.ca/childcare.

Affordable child care isn’t just about saving money – it unlocks so many possibilities for families. It can support a parent or caregiver to return to work, pursue their education, or create new opportunities.

Childcare savings are only part of the solution. We also know that families need to be able to find the right childcare spaces in their community.

For far too long, the previous provincial government didn’t make child care a priority, making it harder and harder for families to find spaces in a fast-growing B.C.

We’re changing that. Our government has funded the creation of more than 32,000 childcare spaces in communities big and small, across the province.

We also need more childcare professionals to deliver high-quality care. That’s why we have expanded post-secondary programs to train Early Childhood Educators, created more tuition bursaries, and increased ECE wages by $4 an hour.

Our ministry also supports people who want to operate a licensed childcare facility in their home with funding through Start-Up Grants. These can assist with the costs of training, application fees, equipment purchases and more.

There is still more work to do, but we are making progress. Our vision is a province where child care is a core service that people can depend on, because affordable, quality, inclusive child care is good for families, communities and the economy.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.