On August 19, the Ministry of Education and Child Care published Design Guidelines for Child Care Centres as a resource to help organizations with child care space creation projects achieve a balance between consistent, quality and functional child care centre designs. These guidelines build on the health and safety standards in the Community Care and Assisted Living Act and the Child Care Licensing Regulation. Please note that the Act and Regulation continue to be the standards for child care licensing in B.C.
The design guidelines were informed through engagement with local governments, First Nations, Indigenous organizations, school districts, child care professionals and other interested groups. This resource is available for consideration but is not mandatory. Some new centres may not be able to meet elements of the guidelines due to the unique aspects of their project. Professionals are expected to rely on their professional judgement when applying the guidelines to child care projects. School districts with questions about capital concept development can contact their Regional Director and Planning Officer team.