Image: M. Vanden Bosch / PML / The B.C. government announced Wednesday there will be 54 child care spaces at Stitó:s Lá:lém Totí:lt, 24 at Watson Elementary, and 24 at Central Elementary Community School as part of a new government initiative.

By Marcus Gordon

SD33 child care

B.C. government announces 102 new licensed before and after-school child care spaces at Stitó:s Lá:lém Totí:lt, Watson and Central

Oct 13, 2022 | 8:59 AM

CHILLIWACK — Chilliwack families stand to benefit from the addition of 102 new licensed before and after-school spaces at three schools within the Chilliwack School District.

According to a news release from the B.C. government Wednesday (October 12), more parents in Chilliwack can pursue work, school and other opportunities by virtue of the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund that will create 54 child care slots at Stitó:s Lá:lém Totí:lt Elementary/Middle, 24 at Watson Elementary, and 24 at Central Elementary Community School.

Child care at both Stitó:s Lá:lém Totí:lt Elementary/Middle and Watson Elementary will be provided through a partnership with the YMCA, while Central Elementary is providing child care through the new Seamless Day program. Central Elementary Community School will be supporting their youngest learners and families with the Central Seamless Day Kindergarten pilot program, which began providing before and after school care September, 2022. The child care program at Central Elementary Community School launched this fall, offering space for 24 students.

Central students, aged kindergarten to Grade 5, are eligible to apply and parents are encouraged to contact Nicole Driscoll, principal of early learning for SD33, at nicole_driscoll@sd33.bc.ca, for more information about Central Seamless Day before and after-school care. The Central Seamless Day Program allows early childhood educators (ECEs) to work alongside teachers in the classroom during the school day, and to provide high-quality before and after school care within the same school setting. With minimum transition for students, and team collaboration for the educators, students have the power to excel in all aspects of their development.

“We are very excited to be a school site here at Central for before and after school care,” said Central Elementary principal Leslie Waddington. “This commitment by the Ministry of Education and the Chilliwack School District to provide a ‘Seamless day’ for children has been greatly appreciated by our families. Access to affordable, convenient, safe and engaging childcare spaces is an essential need that is now being met, on site, at school. The transition to school and after school for these children is now literally seamless.”

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Stitó:s Lá:lém Totí:lt Elementary/Middle YMCA Kids Club opened October 3; Watson Elementary YMCA Kids Club opened October 12. Parents are encouraged to email ymca@gv.ymca.ca for more information. SD33 will continue to work with parents, the community, and the Ministry of Education and Child Care to be innovative about how to create supportive environments and increase child care opportunities for early learners.

“The YMCA is grateful to continue our partnership with Province of BC and the Chilliwack School District to deliver more quality child care to families in this community,” said Cathy Poole, VP, Children and Youth Services, YMCA of Greater Vancouver. “We know children thrive in an environment where everyone belongs and they can explore, learn, and have fun together. Those are the experiences our dedicated staff are excited to provide the children at Stitó:s Lá:lém Totí:lt Elementary/Middle YMCA Kids Club and Watson Elementary YMCA Kids Club.”