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Friday February 27, 2026

Kaye Krishna
Deputy Minister of Education and Child Care

250-880-3451
Kaye.Krishna@gov.bc.ca

Hello everyone,

Like many of you, my thoughts remain with the community of Tumbler Ridge, and with all students, staff, families, and first responders affected by this month’s tragic events. Some encouraging news from the district: students and staff have begun to return to the elementary school, and many families, students and staff have toured the new temporary learning space for the secondary school. Every step has been led with a compassionate trauma informed lens, also recognizing not everyone is ready yet to return. With the conclusion of the provincial period of mourning, flags outside schools may now be returned to full mast. This symbolic transition does not diminish our collective grief and marks an important step in a long healing process for Tumbler Ridge and communities throughout the province.

Earlier this week, Minister Lisa Beare convened a call with provincial and territorial education ministers to share early insights from Tumbler Ridge, and what to watch for during this critical period, especially in the digital space. It’s important that safety in schools remains the number one priority for all leaders and decision makers, not only at home in B.C., but throughout our country.                                                   

Please see important updates below, including information on April 2026 Graduation Assessment Registrations, as well as Career Development Resources for Parents and Caregivers, Educators, and Employers in B.C., and an upcoming Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – Virtual Dialogue session on March 11.

Enjoy your weekend.

Kaye

For Action

For Information

  • Reminder: Child Care Operating Funding 2026-2027 Renewal Open

    Published

    Reminder: Child Care Operating Funding 2026-2027 Renewal Open

    As of January 7, 2026, child care providers can renew their Child Care Operating Funding agreements and opt into the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative and Early Childhood Educator Wage Enhancement programs for the 2026-2027 funding year.

    Over 2,000 child care facilities are already pre-approved to participate in the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative for 2026-2027. Child Care Operating Funding agreements were sent out earlier this week and providers are encouraged to review their agreements carefully so they can confirm their participation by providing full approval of the terms.

    As in previous years, providers joining the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative must start with fees that reflect typical rates in their region. Providers already participating may increase approved fees by up to 3% of the regional median fee.

    As communicated to all recent applicants last week, the Province is not expanding the current $10-a-day program at this time. Providers who applied in the most recent intake must renew their Child Care Operating Funding agreements to avoid any interruptions in funding.

    Please note an important policy shift in the fee reduction program: As of April 1, 2026, participating providers may only charge optional fees for extended hours after offering a minimum of 9.5 hours of care during regular operating hours.

    For more information, please see the fee reduction funding guidelines or the wage enhancement funding guidelines. Important timelines and additional information is available on the Apply for or renew web page. If you have questions or need support, call 1-888-338-6622 (press 2), Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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  • Register for Nurturing Play and Beyond course for Early Childhood Educators

    Published

    Register for Nurturing Play and Beyond course for Early Childhood Educators

    The School Aged Child Care Association of BC is offering Nurturing Play and Beyond: Middle Years Child Care Fundamentals, Principles & Practices, an online, hybrid  course created to address the gap in accessible, high-quality, holistic training for early childhood educators, early childhood educator assistants and school-age educators working with school-aged children.

    Course Details

    • Four-weeks in length
    • Six hours of self-led course material per week
    • Two-hour facilitated session at the end of each week
    • Nine modules inspired by the B.C. Early Learning Framework, including trauma-informed practice, and guidance from subject matter experts in child care and education
    • Participants receive a certificate for 27 professional development hours
    • Cost: $270.
    • Cohort 1: March 7-28, 2026
    • Cohort 2: April 4-25, 2026

    For questions about course offerings and bursary options, please contact Tyler Summers.

    For details and to register, visit the Nurturing Play and Beyond: Middle Years Child Care Fundamentals Principles & Practices web page.

  • Virtual Open Houses for International High School Students

    Published

    Virtual Open Houses for International High School Students

    Building on the success of the Virtual Info Sessions held in October 2025, Study in BC is organizing two Virtual Open Houses to showcase post-secondary opportunities to prospective international students currently studying in B.C.’s K-12 sector. This event aims to support high school students in their transition to post-secondary education within the province.

    Over two evenings, March 10 and 11, students will have the opportunity to:

    • Meet directly with post-secondary institutional representatives and ask questions
    • Learn more about admission processes and pathway opportunities
    • Explore the benefits of studying at a B.C. post-secondary institution

    Registration is required, and participants will need access to Zoom to attend. For more details, please visit the event page. If you have any questions regarding the sessions, please email the BC Council for International Education (BCCIE) team at events@bccie.bc.ca.

  • TRB Discipline Outcomes

    Published

    TRB Discipline Outcomes

    Discipline outcomes are posted to enhance the transparency of the processes and decisions made with respect to complaints and reports about educators. An outcome has been posted regarding Kelly Jean Hettinga, who agreed to a reprimand.