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By Chilliwack MLA Dan Coulter

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SOUND OFF: Celebrating Child Care Month

May 8, 2024 | 10:30 AM

MAY MARKS CHILD CARE MONTH in British Columbia, a time to honour and celebrate the invaluable contributions of childcare providers who offer care, connection and education to children in B.C.

It’s also a reminder that for far too long, access to affordable child care was either overlooked or deemed a luxury. That’s why over the last seven years, our government has made historic investments in child care. We are working towards a future where affordable, quality and inclusive child care is a fundamental service that all families can rely on.

Our affordability programs have reduced average childcare fees for children 12 years and under from $45 per day down to $18 per day. With global inflation driving up the cost of things like groceries and gas, those savings are crucial for families with young children.

We’ve also invested in the $10-a-day childcare program, which is on track to expand to 20,000 spaces by spring of 2026. These life-changing spaces are open or opening in communities across the province, including 92 spaces announced this year at Kamloops Christian School Early Learning Centre.

None of these actions would be possible without the hard work of Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) who provide care, connection and rich learning opportunities to our kids at one of the most important times in their lives. We’re working hard to recruit and retain ECEs by increasing wages, helping with the cost of their education and providing training and professional development opportunities.

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We want to make sure child care in B.C. is accessible, affordable, high-quality and inclusive for all kids and families. But this is not only about supporting families – it’s also an investment in the overall health and resilience of our economy. When families have good child care, they can work, return to school, or pursue other opportunities that are right for them.

Child Care Month is a great reminder of our commitment to nurturing the next generation, supporting our amazing ECEs and child care providers, and continuing to deliver more accessible and affordable child care for people across the province.

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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.