The first of six new child care facilities in Campbell River is now open at Ripple Rock Elementary.
The Ripple Rock Child Care Centre will provide 30 spaces for school-age kids who need after-school care while parents are at work.
In a news release, parent Chelsea Frederickson says the new centre is helping her whole family.
“Having child care available at my boys’ school has been an absolute game-changer for my family,” she says. “I was on every single list, but there were no openings anywhere. As a single mom with three kids, having access to after-school care solved this worry and has allowed me to work an extra 15 hours a week, which is huge for our household.”
North Island MLA Michele Babchuk says the centres will help struggling parents.
“This new child care centre will bring much-needed service for families in Campbell River,” she says. “Offering child care on school grounds gives parents peace of mind knowing their children will be supported with learning opportunities in a safe environment and through the collaborative work between the school district and CUPE.”
The province and School District 72 partnered to use a million dollars from the Childcare BC New Spaces Fund to build the centre, five more district-operated centres near other local schools will also be opening soon.
Visit the school district’s website for more information about out-of-school care.
