Port Coquitlam is set to open a new preschool this fall — operated and organized by the city.
Dubbed as City Preschool, the licensed program is set to provide flexibility for qualified families with children ages three to five looking, while also giving them a chance to apply for provincial child care subsidies.
"Child care is not only important for the economic and social well-being of families, but it is critical for a robust local economy,” said Mayor Brad West in a statement on Wednesday (July 21).
“We’re doing what we can to make Port Coquitlam even more family-friendly, and that includes providing more child care options for working parents. I know from firsthand experience how challenging it is to find childcare options and I’m proud of the work the city is doing. The new licensed preschool will bring a new service to our community to help our existing residents and those moving into the developments under construction.”
Registration for the October program is scheduled to open for PoCo residents July 27 and July 29 for non-residents.
For more information and registration, you can visit the city's website.
City Preschool is set to be located within the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC) once construction concludes and, according to a news release, will be officially approved once Fraser Health gives the green light.
DOES THIS MEET THE CURRENT DEMAND?
Port Coquitlam council says its expecting high demand for City Preschool given only 16 spots are open for each program.
When parents register, there will be three options:
- Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays
- Oct. 4, 2021, to June 18, 2022
- $293 per month
- 9:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. each day
- Tuesdays, Thursdays
- Oct. 5, 2021, to June 16, 2022
- $210 per month
- 9:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. each day
- Saturdays
- Oct. 2, 2021, to June 18, 2022
- $113.33 per month
- 9:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. each day
The city says an afternoon preschool program is in the works for fall 2022.
“A new licensed preschool is very much needed and will be a great addition to the City’s existing early learning programs,” said Coun. Steve Darling, who also acts as PoCo’s designate for recreation matters.
“By offering a variety of inclusive early learning opportunities, we’ll be providing parents with more choice to decide which program will best suit their child’s and family’s needs.”
The city's release also explains waiting lists have grown for its license-exempt two-hour playschool programs, which adds to the demand from parents for an option that can qualify them for B.C.’s Affordable Child Care Benefit.
You can visit the city's financial assistance page for more information.
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
City Preschool's program is aimed to support the physical, intellectual, emotional and social development of children who qualify for the program.
It's set to be located on the main floor of the PCCC, which will give participants access to:
- A fenced playground
- Storage cubbies
- A kitchen
- Indoor amenities...
- Leisure pool
- Ice rink
- Gymnasium
- Multi-purpose spaces
- Outdoor amenities...
- Community garden
- Sport courts
- Adventure playground
- Spray park
The city of Port Coquitlam says once Fraser Health gives final approval, the preschool will look to hire licensed early childhood educators.
