Manoah Steves and William Bridge elementary schools shift child-care spaces

Child care is an important support for families and school communities, and the services most needed can change as communities grow and family needs evolve. Richmond School District regularly reviews enrolment and works with child-care providers, schools and families to assess use of available spaces and where demand is greatest.

Since 2023, nine purpose-built child-care facilities have opened at district sites with support from the Ministry of Education and Child Care, including the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund. The district provides space and supports access to services on school grounds, while independent providers supply the staffing, programming and expertise to operate licensed care.

The facility at Manoah Steves Elementary opened in 2023 and the one at William Bridge Elementary opened in 2024. At both schools, enrolment in full-day programs for children aged 30 months to school age has remained too low for providers to sustain them, while demand for before- and after-school care has remained strong.

Following a review with providers, the schools and the Ministry, the Ministry approved changes to funding agreements at both locations. Spaces now used for full-day care for younger children will become before- and after-school care spaces. The two sites will provide 99 spaces in total.

The district said it will continue working with families, providers and schools through the transition and will monitor community needs. Families with questions can contact their school principal.