The general solicitation for new CCRR service providers is now complete, with all applicants being informed of the outcomes. The ministry has applied best practices at every step of the process to ensure the new contracts were awarded in a competitive, fair, and transparent manner. New contracts took effect on April 1.

More B.C. families will save thousands of dollars every year as over 930 child care spaces moved into the $10 a Day ChildCareBC program during March and April. This brings the total number of $10 a Day child care spaces in B.C. to over 15,000. With these newly converted spaces, offered at 27 additional child care centres throughout the province, B.C. is on track to achieving the goal of 20,000 spaces by spring 2026. Additionally, through B.C.’s child care affordability programs, the ministry has brought the average daily cost of child care for children aged five and under down to $19 from $54. These spaces will support families and further develop access to high-quality, affordable child care. Since 2018, the Province has invested $4.3 billion in the 10-year ChildCareBC plan to build a future where affordable, inclusive, and quality child care is a core service that families can rely on.

Earlier this week, Minister of State for Child Care Mitzi Dean reminded the sector that effective April 1, families looking for licensed child care can no longer be charged a fee to put their children’s names on waitlists.

Eliminating waitlist and waitlist-related fees at government-funded child care centres makes access to child care more equitable for all families and is another way that government is reducing the cost of child care. Through B.C.’s child care affordability programs, government has brought the average daily cost of child care for children 12 and under down to $18 from $42.

In addition to the more than 15,000 spaces in $10 a Day ChildCareBC program, approximately 128,000 families are saving up to $900 per month per child through the fee reduction program. When combined with the income-tested Affordable Child Care Benefit (ACCB), many families are paying $10 a day or less for child care, including those not participating in the $10 a Day program.

The Regional Coordinator service roles have been redefined and renamed Service Area Coordinators as of April 1, to align with the new service areas identified in the recent CCRR solicitation. Child Care Resources and Referral Centre (CCRR) regional supports will continue to be provided by CCRR host agencies who have provided these services in the past. Contracts for these services will be renewed for one year (April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025).

These positions have played a valuable role in supporting providers and child care professionals and in helping British Columbians find child care. We thank the regional coordinators for their passion and commitment, and for the important contributions they make to the child care story in British Columbia.

Fraser – Chilliwack Community Services

Vancouver Coastal – North Shore Community Resources

Interior – Kootenay Kids Society

Northern – Northwest Child Development Centre Society

Vancouver Island – Clements Centre for Families