February 11, 2025

VSB families benefit from 96 new school-aged child care spots

Vancouver, B.C. - Families at three schools within the Vancouver School District will soon have access to 96 new school-aged child care spots thanks to $1.3 million provided by the Provincial Government through the ChildCare BC New Spaces Fund. Spaces will be made available for before- and after-school care at three schools: Cunningham Elementary, Moberly Elementary and Queen Victoria Annex in early 2026. 

The $1.3 million in provincial funding will improve facilities within Cunningham, Moberly and Queen Victoria Annex. The funding will enable upgrades to multipurpose and activity rooms for use during before- and after-school hours by child care operators. 

In January 2023, the Board passed a motion to increase child care spaces at VSB sites. District staff continue to evaluate locations where there is need for child care and the VSB owned spaces that can be modified and made available to accommodate new licensed, not-for-profit child care.   

Renovations at the three schools are already underway and include upgrades to existing washrooms and playgrounds to ensure accessibility as well as shared furniture and storage solutions, among other improvements.

Before- and after-school care is offered at 72 VSB school sites by licensed not-for-profit child care organizations.  

Quotes 

“I know balancing work and school hours can be a challenge for busy and working parents. These new before- and after-school child care spaces will make life easier for families requiring only one drop off and pick up location, streamlining their daily routines and creating an easier transition for children. Through ChildCareBC, we are building a future where access to affordable, quality child care is a core service people can rely on.”   

Rohini Arora, Parliamentary Secretary for Child Care

 “Creating new child care spaces on school grounds has long been a priority for the Board. Equitable child care options are not just important for families, they are a critical part of the social infrastructure of the city and the economy at-large. Staff continue to identify creative opportunities to add new child care spaces that benefit families in our communities.”  

Victoria Jung, VSB chair

“Our school has not, historically, had before- and after-school care. This has been very challenging for parents and caregivers. The school community will greatly benefit from access to quality child care, onsite – allowing working parents to stress less about the balance of family and work. Children will feel comfortable in this environment and flourish with consistent, professional care. Truly a wonderful development.” 

Karla Greer, Cunningham Elementary parent 

“We are grateful for the funding received to create new quality, affordable before- and after-school child care spaces on school grounds. The addition of 96 spaces in existing facilities means improved services for children and families, as well as more efficient use of our schools." 

Flavia Coughlan, VSB secretary-treasurer/CFO 

Learn more about child care at VSB schools 

For extra support with the cost of child care, families may be eligible to apply for the Affordable Child Care Benefit.

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For media inquiries contact: 

Vancouver School Board 
Communications
communications@vsb.bc.ca