Parents in the region can expect an easier time arranging childcare after the Ministry of Children and Family Development announced 260 new spaces in Victoria on Monday, December 16th.
The spots will be funded by the Childcare BC New Spaces Fund, which has provided childcare options for 770 children in Victoria since it was first created in July 2018.
Braefoot Elementary, Lampson Elementary, and Oaklands Elementary will benefit from the funding with extra spots.
Oasis Daycare, Little Wild Early Learning, and Maple Tree Children’s Centre will also offer more daycare spaces.
According to a press release with details on the new spots, the Greater Victoria School District is partnering with non-profit organizations to deliver these new, fully accessible and inclusive spaces.
“Our government and school districts are working together, so children in early childhood education programs can ease into the school environment and feel familiar and comfortable when they transition into kindergarten,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Education, in the press release.
The funding is all part of the B.C. government’s Childcare BC plan — a three-year $1-billion investment into daycares and school programs across the province that was announced in February 2018.
Here is a list of the new spaces:
Braefoot Elementary
- 65 spots
- 16 pre-school spaces
- 49 spaces for school-age children
Lampson Elementary (Les Agneaux de Saute-Mouton)
- 28 spots
- 8 infant/toddler spaces
- 20 spaces for 3- to 5-year-olds
Oaklands Elementary
- 51 spots
- 10 infant/toddler spaces
- 16 preschool spaces
- 25 school-age spaces
Oasis Daycare
- 24 infant/toddler spaces
Little Wild Early Learning
- 16 spots for 3- to 5-year-olds
Maple Tree Children’s Centre
- 76 spots
- 36 infant/toddler spaces
- 16 spaces for children aged 30-months to school age
- 24 spaces for children up to 12 years old
