BC child care providers can submit applications for the second phase of B.C. Early Years Strategy capital funding until March 20, 2015 Child-care providers who were unsuccessful or did not apply during the first intake period can apply for up to $500,000 (for non-profit providers), or up to $250,000 for (private child care organizations).

The next information session will be held on February 25. Applicants must complete an Expression of Interest in Attending Form.

The current intake’s priority will be the creation of spaces co-located with other family-support programs in community-based settings, including BC Early Years Centres, recreation centres and family resource programs. Preference will be given to proposals that create child care spaces in underserved areas of B.C. and on school grounds, where children can smoothly transition from early years programs, to the classroom, to after-school care.

Funding can be used to:

• Build a new child care facility, including the cost of buying land or a building
• Assemble a modular building and develop a site
• Renovate an existing building
• Buy eligible equipment (including playground equipment) and furnishings to support new child care spaces in an existing facility

A Handbook for Child Care Providers is provided to assist in navigating local government processes and requirements for Child Care providers.

For more information visit www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare/major_capital.htm

A key goal of the Early Years Strategy is improving the quality of early years programs including childcare. The BC Early Learning Framework provides guidance to early years professionals on how to best support young children’s early learning and development.