Province Announces 24 New School-Age Child Care Spaces at Sooke Elementary

Families in Sooke will have greater access to before- and after-school child care with 24 new licensed school-age spaces planned for Sooke Elementary. 

The Province of British Columbia announced the new spaces as part of an investment to create approximately 1,200 new before- and after-school child care spaces at schools across B.C. Twenty-two school districts, including Sooke School District 62, are receiving funding to renovate and repurpose existing school spaces for child care programs expected to open over the next year. 

“Access to child care is such an important part of supporting families and a healthy, connected community,” said Mayor Maja Tait. “These 24 new spaces at Sooke Elementary will make a meaningful difference for local families by providing care in a familiar and convenient location. As our community continues to grow, investments like this help make everyday life a little easier for parents and caregivers while providing children with safe, welcoming places to spend time before and after school.” 

“Expanding Board-operated child care in our schools has been an important priority for our Board of Education because strong school communities support not only students, but families too,” said Sooke School District Board Chair Amanda Dowhy. “We are proud to see more spaces opening in our growing communities that increase options available to families and also help families build early connections to school. 

“With the Province’s investment and partnership, we can keep that momentum going by creating more child care options, supporting more families and strengthening the bonds between our schools and the communities they serve.” 

The Province is providing capital funding to renovate and repurpose existing school spaces for child care, along with additional funding to help school districts establish and operate programs. Families attending programs created through the initiative will benefit from reduced fees through provincial child care supports, with additional assistance available to eligible families. 

Sooke Elementary is one of two schools in School District 62 included in the announcement, with an additional 12 spaces planned at Ruth King Elementary in Langford. 

Learn more: Read the Province of B.C. announcement.