Child-care relief is on the way for some Prince George parents.
Families at the YMCA Highland Development Centre are now paying $200 a month per child as part of the government's universal child-care prototype project, the B.C. government announced Friday (Nov. 9).
The centre is one of more than 50 sites which were chosen to offer low-cost child care to parents in B.C. Training is also provided to help staff understand what they can do to also support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action.
"The YMCA Highland Development Centre is a community hub for many Prince George families, including Francophones, providing inclusive child care and services to children with extra support needs," Katrina Chen, Minister of State for Child Care, said in a press release.
The prototypes will model what high-quality, affordable, universal childcare could look like for parents throughout the province.
"We have committed to bringing affordable, accessible and quality child care to B.C. parents," Katrine Conroy, Minister of Children and Family Development said in the release. "These high-quality, low-cost spaces will help shape the future direction of our Childcare B.C. plan, and we're excited to be working alongside providers to make life better for B.C. families."
Funding comes through a $60-million investment as part of the Early Learning and Child Care Agreement with the federal government. It also compliments the province's $1-billion, three-year investment through Childcare B.C.
Families who don't have access to any of these low-cost spaces may still be eligible for support through the Affordable Child Care Benefit. To find out whether you are eligible for up to $1,250 per child, click HERE.
