The only licensed Early Childhood Education facility on Cortes Island, the Playschool, has received a new subsidy called Childcare Fee Reduction Initiative from the BC government that aims to cut childcare costs for parents by 60 per cent.

The subsidy makes a full day of childcare cost $18.70 per child. Half days at the playschool were previously $30 a day for 4 hours of care, but with the new subsidy, it will only cost $16.37. The new costs are effective this week, with a couple registration spots still available for kids 30 months to 5 years of age.

Southern Cortes Community Association (SCCA) board member Cora Moret, shared how the new subsidies were made possible by the hard work by staff like Janice Tomlinson. Moret said the fee reduction will the help with accessibility.

“The really nice thing about it is it doesn't disqualify parents from applying for the Affordable Child Care Benefit.”

The SCCA is also working with the Cortes Community Health Association (CCHA) and the Cortes Island Community Foundation (CICF) in an initiative titled, “Call to Action.” This collaboration is striving to create full-time childcare offerings to all regions of the island.

Former Regional Director Noba Anderson has been hired by the SCCA to put together a report with suggestions on how the Playschool may be able to contribute towards this goal. That report will be shared in a public meeting that has not yet been scheduled.

Currently, there are renovations taking place at Mansons Hall, and part of the improvements will include a new entrance for the playschool. 

To hear more about the Playschool and the new subsidy, listen to the CKTZ News Update below: