When kids return to elementary schools in fall, there will be seven new childcare centres to help out working parents.
School District 72 is spending $6 million this summer to build before-and-after-school child care centres at Ocean Grove, Ripple Rock, Cedar, Pinecrest, Sandowne, Georgia Park and Quadra Elementary schools. It’s the largest construction project in the district since Ripple Rock elementary opened in 2005, and will create 210 child care spaces.
“We are thrilled to be able to provide such an important resource for our families,” says Philip Cizmic, interim superintendent for School District 72. “Access to quality childcare is crucial for working families, and we are confident that these new childcare centres will serve as a tremendous resource for years to come.”
Ocean Grove, Quadra, Cedar, and Ripple Rock will be built first. Not all projects will be completed by September, but the spaces will be available in temporary locations at the schools.
The centres will be staffed by educational assistants. Children must attend the school to be considered for a child care space.
The Ministry of Education and Child Care announced the funding to allow School District 72 to create these 210 new licensed childcare spaces in April of 2022.
“Co-locating childcare on school grounds will make life easier for busy parents in and around Campbell River. Keeping students in one place for the entire day will also make for smooth transitions to and from school and daycare for the children,” said Michele Babchuk, MLA for North Island. “By working with our school district partners, we’re creating childcare where families have told us it’s needed, and building a future where access to affordable, quality, inclusive childcare is a core service families can depend on.”
