Local parents and caregivers are being asked for input to help develop a strategy for improving access to child care in the Tri-Cities.

Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody are working together to create Child Care Action Plans that will outline what the cities, service providers and other stakeholders can do to help create new spaces.

In a survey running Sept. 16 to Nov. 1, parents and guardians are being asked about their child care needs and challenges and to provide input on potential solutions. The survey is available at www.tricitieschildcare.ca and more information is available on each city’s website: www.coquitlam.ca/childcare, www.portcoquitlam.ca/childcare, and www.portmoody.ca/childcare.

The collected input will help identify gaps, set targets and find potential solutions. Development of the action plans also includes:

• An inventory of existing child care spaces, service levels and types of programs in different neighbourhoods,
• Identification of short-, medium- and long-term targets for new spaces,
• A survey and site visits to child care operators to collect input on expanding facilities and service levels to meet the community’s child care needs, and
• Consultation with additional stakeholders, including Fraser Health, School District 43 and organizations that serve local families.

Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam will hold public information sessions in October. All three cities will also co-host a solutions workshop in November for community members with an interest in childcare development, including parents, guardians, child care providers and other stakeholders. Participants will have a chance to learn about and provide feedback on the recommended actions for the child care action plan.

The three cities each received a $25,000 grant this past spring from the provincial Community Child Care Planning Program through the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) to create the plans. They are working together on the project because many Tri-Cities residents cross boundaries for child care, school and other services.

The action plans will build on the Tri-City Child Care Needs Assessment in 2017 and work being undertaken by the School District 43’s Child Care Task Force.

The draft plans are expected to be presented to City Councils for consideration in early 2020.

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