Richmond schools opening 60 before- and after-care spaces by spring 2027
City Centre and Kathleen McNeely elementary schools will offer new child care through a provincial program, with the Ministry of Infrastructure funding both projects.
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Two Richmond elementary schools will add before- and after-school care spaces by spring 2027, expanding child care options in the suburb as families continue to seek affordable care.
Richmond school trustees approved the programs for City Centre elementary and Kathleen McNeely elementary at their Wednesday board meeting. The Ministry of Infrastructure approved both projects under the new School Age Care on School Grounds program, which allows school districts to create spaces using existing buildings.
The programs will provide 30 spaces each at the two schools. City Centre elementary received $14,850 in provincial funding while Kathleen McNeely elementary received $27,900. Both projects are expected to be completed by March 31, 2027.
Trustees spent nearly 10 minutes at Wednesday's meeting celebrating the opening of City Centre elementary itself, which will serve the growing suburb. The school district amended its capital bylaw to access the provincial funding.
The School Age Care on School Grounds program allows school districts to create care spaces directly or through third-party non-profit providers, using space already within school buildings. This approach reduces the infrastructure costs that have historically limited child care expansion in many districts.
At a glance
Which Richmond schools are getting new before- and after-care spaces?
City Centre elementary and Kathleen McNeely elementary will each add 30 spaces of before- and after-school care.
When will the new care spaces open?
Both programs are expected to be completed by March 31, 2027.
How is this expansion being funded?
The Ministry of Infrastructure approved both projects under the School Age Care on School Grounds program. City Centre elementary received $14,850 in provincial funding and Kathleen McNeely elementary received $27,900.
