Seamless Childcare in BC Schools Is Gaining Momentum

Author – CUPE Seamless Childcare Now

For many BC families, the school day doesn’t neatly match the workday. Before- and after-school childcare is often the missing piece. It’s hard to find, expensive, and stressful to manage. But a recent shift in provincial policy is bringing new hope to parents across the province.

This fall, the BC government passed legislation that makes it easier for school districts to run childcare programs directly on school grounds. These changes allow districts to offer before- and after-school care year-round, using the public school system families already know and trust.

For parents, this is a meaningful step toward more consistent, accessible childcare—right where children already spend their day.

Why School-Based Childcare Matters to Families

School-based childcare reduces one of the biggest daily challenges for parents: multiple drop-offs, pick-ups, and transitions. When care happens in the same place as school, children benefit from familiar surroundings and trusted adults, and parents gain peace of mind and smoother mornings and afternoons.

Families in several BC communities are already seeing these benefits firsthand. Over the past year, pilot programs in Nanaimo-Ladysmith, Chilliwack, and Nechako Lakes have demonstrated just how effective this model can be.

“Getting a childcare spot at my son’s school has been life changing for us. Having this stable care makes the day much less stressful, knowing my son is safe at his own school.”
— Ryan, Nanaimo-Ladysmith parent

In addition to supporting families, district-run programs also create more stable employment for Education Assistants and other school support staff by offering more paid hours and year-round work—strengthening the broader school community.

A Growing Model with Strong Demand

The demand for seamless childcare is clear. In the Nanaimo-Ladysmith school district, programs expanded from two school sites to ten in under two years, with waitlists continuing to grow. This rapid growth reflects what many parents already know: childcare that’s part of the school system simply works better for families.

With successful pilot programs and supportive legislation now in place, advocates say BC is well positioned to expand school-based childcare to more communities.

What Comes Next

For seamless childcare to reach families province-wide, school districts need ongoing funding and policy support from the provincial government. Many parents and caregivers have already spoken up, sending letters to provincial decision-makers to show strong public support for expanding these programs.You show your support by sharing this letter.

At BC Parent, we know that childcare isn’t just a convenience, it’s essential infrastructure for families. As more school districts explore this model, seamless, school-based childcare has the potential to become a permanent and reliable part of public education in BC.

For parents juggling work, school schedules, and family life, that’s welcome news.