The B.C. government is investing a combined $475,000 under the B.C. Early Years Strategy to create 128 new licensed childcare spaces for families in Langley, announced Langley MLA Mary Polak on Thursday.
Two daycare projects have been approved in Langley. The Creative Kids Learning Centre Langley Meadows, located at 101 and 104 – 19916 64 Ave. is receiving $250,000 for 108 spaces which includes 36 group childcare spaces for children up to 36 months (infants and toddlers); and 72 centre-based group childcare spaces for children ages 3 to 5.
Elms Academy is receiving $250,000 for 20 childcare spaces for children up to 36 months, located at Peregrine House School (20381 66 Ave).
"Creative Kids Learning Centers is excited to have been chosen to be part of the major capital funding initiative giving us the opportunity to provide much needed childcare spaces in the Langley community,” Creative Kids Learning Centre’s director of operations Melissa Baxandall said.
“Creative Kids is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and we are very thankful to the B.C. Government for recognizing the importance of early childhood education and helping us open our first centre in Langley."
These extra spaces are much needed, said Polak.
“With ongoing demand for childcare spaces, this investment is part of our commitment to create 13,000 spaces by 2020.”
In November 2015, the province encouraged childcare providers to apply for the third phase of major capital funding to create new licensed childcare spaces throughout B.C.
The province is now in the process of working with childcare providers to sign project agreements that include the specific requirements that providers have identified for each site, such as the need to lease or buy property, obtain local zoning permits and hire contractors to renovate the sites.
In the case of Creative Kids Learning Centre Langley Meadows, construction on the new childcare spaces is expected to be completed and open for September.
The BC Early Years Strategy is an eight-year government commitment to improve the accessibility, affordability and quality of early-years programs and services for families with young children.