Pilot program that combines daycare and kindergarten expanding to more B.C. schools

Pilot program that combines daycare and kindergarten expanding to more B.C. schools
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A pilot program that blends daycare and kindergarten at the same facility is expanding to more schools across the province, including facilities on Vancouver Island.

A pilot program that blends daycare and kindergarten at the same facility is expanding to more schools across the province, including facilities on Vancouver Island.

The Seamless Day Kindergarten pilot program employs certified early childhood educators to provide before- and after-school care in kindergarten classrooms, while also providing an opportunity to support learning alongside the classroom teacher.

This pilot program has currently launched in four schools but will be expanding to a total of 25 districts across the Province including the Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District and the Sooke School District.

With the way the program is set up, it makes use of existing classrooms outside of school hours and does not require new rooms or buildings.

“I’m thrilled with the success of the Seamless Day Kindergarten pilot program so far. That’s why we are expanding it to another 21 schools,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Education. “This program gives children continuity throughout the day on their learning journey. Access to quality, inclusive care and early learning is critical in supporting parents, particularly mothers, to pursue career or education goals while being confident that their kids are being cared for.”

The expansion is part of the government’s 10-year ChildCare BC plan, as the Province says it continues to work at building an inclusive universal child care system that meets B.C. communities’ growing child care needs.

READ MORE: Ottawa, B.C. governments reach deal on child care funding, Trudeau announces

“Too many parents still don’t have access to the before- and after-school care they need,” said Katrina Chen, Minister of State for Child Care. “Using existing classrooms means we can create new spaces quickly, and it will make it easier for busy parents to get to work and have peace of mind knowing their kids are cared for and learning, all in one spot.”

Currently, the kindergarten pilot program is being run at Oliver Elementary (SD 53 – Okanagan-Similkameen), West Sechelt Elementary (SD 46 – Sunshine Coast School District), Hollyburn Elementary (SD 45 – West Vancouver School District) and Errington Elementary (SD 69 – Qualicum School District).

The expansion however will add sites in the following districts:

  • Arrow Lakes School District (SD 10)
  • Central Okanagan (SD 23)
  • Chilliwack School District (SD 33)
  • Conseil scolaire francophone (CSF) (SD 93)
  • Gold Trail School District (SD 74)
  • Gulf Islands School District (SD 64)
  • Haida Gwaii School District (SD 50)
  • Kamloops-Thompson School District (SD 73)
  • Kootenay Lakes School District (SD 08)
  • Langley School District (SD 35)
  • Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District (SD 68)
  • Nechako Lakes School District (SD 91)
  • New Westminster School District (SD 40)
  • North Okanagan-Shuswap (SD 83)
  • Peace River North School District (SD 60)
  • Sea to Sky School District (SD 48)
  • Sooke School District (SD 62)
  • Vancouver School District (SD 39)
  • Vernon School District (SD 22)
  • Society of Christian Schools BC (independent – two schools)
Graham CoxGraham Cox

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