Optimizing the early years of children's lives is the best investment we can make in ensuring their future success. But for many British Columbians, the high cost of child care means many families are unable to access the quality, affordable care they need.

Pledging to put people first, the B.C. government recently launched Child Care BC, a bold commitment towards the "largest investment in child care in BC's history." The initial provincial child care strategy calls for the reduction of parent fees, the creation of 22,000 licensed daycare spaces, and improved wages for early childhood educators.

As a next step to making child care more accessible, the province is asking all licensed child care operators to join the newly created Child Care Reduction Initiative. Licensed Group and Family providers that are already receiving Child Care Operating Funding (CCOF) will be given the option to 'opt-in' to the new program when their 2018/2019 contracts arrive at the end of March.

We encourage you to 'opt-in' to the Child Care Reduction Initiative and here's why:

• You are helping to build an affordable child-care system
• You will receive a long overdue 10% increase in base funding to the current CCOF
• You will receive enhanced funding to reduce parent fees
• You will be supporting more parents of children in your community

Child Care BC is laying the foundation for a universal, affordable child care system. This is a historic commitment to children, parents and the many caring professionals like you that work to create safe, supportive environments and stable, caring relationships that children need to thrive.

To learn more:

Why we urge child care providers to Opt In to the New Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative: A Joint Statement by the Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC and Early Childhood Educators of BC March 8, 2018.

UWU/MoveUP