Parents of School District 43 students may be confused about conflicting messages being provided about how prepared schools are to accept kids when teachers walk off the job next week.
In a statement, B.C.'s education minister George Abbott says schools will be open and students care will be cared for and supervised by non-union school and district personnel.
However, School District 43 is urging parents to keep their kids at home or provide alternate care, according to a letter sent home with students yesterday.
"While school facilities will remain open under the supervision of school district staff, we will be unable to provide students with instruction or appropriate supervision during this period of job action. We are therefore requesting that parents keep their children at home on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (March 5,6 and 7)."
As well, the letter notes, no school district transportation (buses or taxis) will be provide those days.
Meanwhile, at least one city is moving to help close the day care gap.
In Port Coquitlam, the city is offering a children's day camp at the Outlet at Leigh Square for March 5,6 &7.
The camps are titled: Special Day Camps and will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with leaders supervising games, crafts, sports, skating and other activities. The daily cost is $35 per child for 5 to 10 year olds.
Limited registration is now available for Monday through Wednesdays and can be completed in person, by phone or online at experienceit.ca.
If additional Job Action Days are announced, more activities will be considered.
Coquitlam will also be holding camp for children and youth on March 5, 6 and 7 from 9 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Poirier and Pinetree Community Centres.
Programs include crafts, games, cooking, swimming and skating and cost $35 a day with before and after care available for an additional $10 to $20. For more information go to www.coquitlam.ca or call 604-927-4386 to register.
