PG centre part of universal childcare prototype project

The YMCA Highland Development Centre is one of 53 prototype project locations in BC to deliver cheaper childcare. Families at the centre will pay no more than $200 a month per child. Training is being provided to help staff understand what they can do to support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.

This is the next step in the provincial government’s ten-year ChildCare BC plan. Spaces are being funded through a $60 million investment under the Early Learning and Child Care Agreement with the Government of Canada. The YMCA Highland Development Centre will now be able to offer 84 low-cost licensed childcare spaces to parents. Parents of around 2,500 will benefit from these prototype projects.

“The YMCA Highland Development Centre is a community hub for many Prince George families, including francophones, providing inclusive child care and services to children with extra support needs,” said Katrina Chen, Minister of State for Child Care, in a statement.

Sites were chosen by the Province after a call for applications this past June. Childcare providers at the new prototype sites will receive government funding to cover operational and administration costs. Feedback will be relayed to the BC government in order to shape the future implementation of universal care. While the prototype projects will last 18 months, Premier John Horgan said more sites could be implemented before that time.

“We want success to breed success. I know the providers want that and the families definitely want that as well. If we see success, there is going to be more and more, that’s what we set out to do 15 months ago.”

Each site will also receive a one-time quality improvement grant in 2019 to help enhance program quality. The dollar total of these grants will be determined after evaluations of each sites’ programs and improvement plans.

Parents not accessing these spaces could still be eligible for support through the Affordable Child Care Benefit, which provides up to $1,250 a month per child for families with an annual income of $111,000 or less. The Province also promoted the Child Care Fee Reduction, which has reduced the cost of nearly 52,000 childcare spaces across BC.