April 6, 2026

VANCOUVER (Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Territories) -

Vancouver is in a childcare crisis and the Vancouver School Board has the moral responsibility to do everything we can to increase access to care for parents and students to help meet these needs. The truth is, our schools have the space and the VSB's talented workforce have the abilities to tremendously increase Out of School Care.

That's why I'm bringing a motion to the Board to study what it would take for the VSB to run its own before and after school care programs in your schools and delivered by workers you know. With the province investing in school-based childcare expansion, this is our moment to step up and make sure our kids have safe places to go before and after the bell.

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You can read more about my motion to allocate $50,000 towards establishing Out of School Care in our public schools below. 

In community, 
Trustee Jennifer Reddy  

Proposed Motion

Therefore be it resolved that 

VSB allocate $50,000 (for consultant fees, supplies and miscellaneous costs) to conduct a feasibility survey and study, in consultation with CUPE 15, IUOE 963 and other employee groups, on the planning, implementation, and costs of a VSB-operated pilot delivering licensed school-age child care (OOSC) at multiple school sites, delivered where feasible by CUPE 15 staff, with prioritized (but not exclusive) enrollment for current and prospective VSB employees, and aligned with provincial ChildCareBC expansion objectives.

Be it further resolved that the feasibility work include:

• a district-wide survey of VSB families and employees to identify unmet OOSC needs, including identification of VSB staff requiring care;
  
• assessment of potential school sites and available space, including multipurpose rooms and suitable classroom space;
  
• identifying staffing models and labour considerations, in consultation with CUPE 15, IUOE 963 and other employee groups;
  
• enrollment prioritization approaches for VSB employees, applying an equity lens; and
  
• estimated costs, revenues, and operational requirements of a multi-site pilot including space upgrades and program materials and supplies.

Be it further resolved that staff report back by June 2026 on:

• baseline survey results and a plan for a one-year follow-up survey;
  
• feasibility, costs, and proposed scale of a multi-site pilot, including potential number of spaces and sites;
  
• employee-group interest and facility considerations; and
• anticipated impacts on recruitment and retention of VSB staff.

Rationale 

Whereas the Province of British Columbia has identified school based childcare expansion as a priority through ChildCareBC and, through the BC Budget 2026, includes capital and operating funds for expansion of childcare on school grounds;

Whereas access to licensed school-age child care (out-of-school care, OOSC) remains insufficient to meet demand across the Vancouver School District;

Whereas many VSB employees experience barriers securing reliable before- and after-school care for their children;

Whereas lack of accessible child care affects employee recruitment, retention, and workforce stability in public education;

Whereas child-care responsibilities disproportionately affect employees with young families, particularly women and primary caregivers;

Whereas school-based child care programs delivered by qualified staff can expand access and support employee well-being;