Words Jesse Holth
Nothing is more important than ensuring your child is in a safe, fun, and educational environment – whether at home or in someone else’s care. Preschool and daycare offer the chance to socialize, learn, play and grow. For busy parents, that might mean part-time or full-time programs.
Daycare and preschool are sometimes used interchangeably, but each provider associates these terms with their own definition: daycare could refer to younger children, preschool could mean part-time care instead of full-time, or it could be about the level of education. For example, some preschool programs use a more classroom-like schedule in preparation for kindergarten, while daycare might be more relaxed and play-based.
With so much variation in each program, it is important to do your research and look through each offering thoroughly. What kind of time commitment do you need – full-time or part-time? What is the age of your child? Check to see if the philosophy and style of the provider aligns with your values, such as nature-based play. Some programs may include lunch and snacks, while others expect parents to provide these.
A new program that opened last year on the Peninsula, the ŚEŚIŚEJ (meaning “little forest” in SENĆOŦEN) Child Care Centre offers full- and part-time care for children of all ages. This nature-based Centre incorporates Indigenous learning principles, partnering with WSANEC elders and educators. There are 12 spaces for children under 36 months, 48 spaces for children 30 months to school age, and 24 spaces for school-age children.
Most programs have limited space, so it’s important to get on waitlists early. Cathy Morin, owner of Gingerbread Preschool & Daycare, says it’s best to get on as many waitlists as possible. “Don’t wait until your child is age-ready; get on waitlists when you’re pregnant,” she advises. Another tip? Do your due diligence. “Check their website, go to the Centre, call licensing – all these things are going to be helpful, because not all programs are the same.”
Home-based daycare is a different option; these providers offer childcare out of their own homes, and can be licensed or license-not-required (LNR). Typically a license is needed if care is provided for more than two children who are unrelated to the caregiver. The district of Saanich has recently changed its bylaw to allow for the expansion of home-based childcare, increasing the maximum number of children to 12 per group. The changes also include the ability to hire non-resident staff, allowing for better child-to-educator ratios.
When it comes to affordability, there are several initiatives in B.C. that help offset the cost of childcare for families. The Affordable Child Care Benefit (ACCB) is a monthly payment that helps eligible families with the cost of childcare. The amount of support you will receive depends on your income, family size and type of care. Families need to apply for this benefit and must renew their application every year. You will be eligible if you earn less than $111,000 per year in household income, or if you earn more but have considerable deductions for family size, or children with support needs.
B.C. has also implemented a $10-a-day childcare program, which has several participating locations in the Greater Victoria area. One of these is the TEAM II Child Care Centre on Mt. Newton Cross Road in Saanichton, which provides full- and part-time care for infants and toddlers (under the age of three) and preschool for three- to 5-year-olds. Families must contact individual ChildCareBC Centres directly to discuss availability and applications. You can find the list of participating Centres at https://tinyurl.com/4vjwxdxp.
Catherine Kay, Early Childhood Educator (ECE) at Countryside Preschool, recommends relying on your intuition to find the right fit. “The most important thing when looking for childcare is to trust your gut – go check out the space, and talk to the childcare educators.”
