Schools Can Run Licensed Child Care

Summary#

This bill changes British Columbia’s School Act to let public school boards run child care programs on school property, as long as they are properly licensed. The goal is to make it easier to offer child care in the same places where children go to school. It takes effect as soon as it receives Royal Assent (final approval).

• Lets school boards directly operate child care on school grounds if they hold a provincial child care licence.
• Applies to board property, such as school buildings and grounds.
• Keeps standard child care licensing rules and safety standards in place.
• Authorizes boards to offer child care; it does not require them to do so.
• Takes effect immediately after final approval.

What it means for you#

• Parents and guardians

  • You may see more child care options offered at your child’s school or nearby school sites.
  • Drop-off and pick-up could be simpler if care and school are in the same place.
  • Fees, hours, and eligibility would be set by your local school board and could vary by district.
  • Licensed programs must meet provincial health and safety standards.

• Students and families

  • There could be more choices for care for younger children and for school-age care outside school hours.
  • Using familiar school spaces may help with smoother routines for kids.

• School boards

  • You are clearly allowed to run child care yourselves on board property, if you become a licensed provider.
  • You must meet all licensing, staffing, and safety rules that apply to child care operators.
  • You can decide whether to offer programs directly, partner with others, or not offer them.

• Child care providers (non-profit and private)

  • Some districts may choose to operate care themselves, which could affect demand for third‑party programs in school spaces.
  • There may also be new partnership opportunities with boards that want help operating programs.

• School staff and communities

  • Some school spaces may be used more often before and after the school day.
  • New jobs could open in child care programs run by districts.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Makes child care more available by letting schools use existing classrooms and facilities.
• Easier for families to manage schedules with “one‑stop” drop‑off and pick‑up at schools.
• Public school boards are accountable to communities, which may bring stable programs and transparent fees.
• Better coordination between school schedules and child care hours.
• Keeps strong licensing rules in place to protect health and safety.

Opponents' View#

• School districts could be stretched thin, taking on child care on top of K–12 education.
• Limited space in schools might cause conflicts with classrooms, sports, or community use.
• District‑run programs could compete with non‑profit and small private providers already serving families.
• Hiring and retaining qualified child care staff is hard; districts may face the same shortages as others.
• Costs and fees are unclear, which creates uncertainty for families and local providers.