FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pemberton, B.C. — Sea to Sky School District is pleased to celebrate the successful opening of the Signal Hill Elementary Before and After School Care Program in Pemberton, which welcomed children and families in May 2025.
Operating on the ancestral and unceded Territories of the Lil̓wat Nation, the program reflects the District's ongoing commitment to supporting children, families, and the broader community through accessible early learning opportunities.
Made possible through funding from the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund, the program provides 24 licensed before and after school care spaces for kindergarten and Grade 1 students. Located at Signal Hill Elementary School, the program helps strengthen children's transition into school while providing local families with reliable, affordable child care.
The program operates on school days before and after school, with parent fees reduced through the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI).
This project was supported with more than $69,800 from the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund, jointly supported by provincial investments and federal funding under the 2021-22 to 2025-26 Canada-British Columbia Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. British Columbia and the federal government have signed an extension to the agreement for 2026-27 to 2030-31, and in June, the Government of Canada announced that it is providing an additional investment of up to $5.4 billion over two years, starting in 2026-27, to support all provinces and territories in keeping child care fees stable and affordable for families.
“Affordable child care is making a real difference for BC families,” said Anna Gainey, Secretary of State for Children and Youth. “In partnership with the Government of British Columbia, these 24 new before and after school care spaces in Pemberton will get families off waitlists and ensure children get the best start in life.” The Before and After School Care Program reflects Sea to Sky School District's commitment to creating environments where every child experiences a strong sense of belonging. Dedicated Signal Hill Elementary staff bring the program to life each day by fostering caring relationships, engaging children in meaningful play, and supporting their overall well-being.
The project also included the installation of new outdoor picnic tables, creating welcoming spaces for gathering, learning, and sharing meals. These spaces will be enjoyed not only by children attending the before and after school care program, but also by the school's additional child care program, StrongStart BC, and the broader school community.
“Access to child care helps children learn and grow while giving families the confidence that their children have reliable support close to home,“ said Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care. “This program is an example of how we are investing in affordable, accessible child care spaces to help strengthen communities and support families throughout British Columbia.”
"We are grateful to the Ministry of Education and Child Care for its continued investment in school-aged child care," said Heather Androsoff, District Vice Principal of Early Learning and Child Care. "This funding allows us to provide high-quality care in a familiar school environment, making it easier for families to access the support they need while ensuring children experience safe, welcoming spaces where they can thrive. This continuum of care ultimately strengthens early years transitions as children begin school."
Sea to Sky School District extends its sincere appreciation to B.C.’s Ministry of Education and Child Care and the Government of Canada for their investment in expanding school-aged child care on school grounds and helping make this important early years program possible.
Thank you—Kúkwstum̓ckacw—to B.C.’s Ministry of Education and Child Care and to the Government of Canada for investing in children and families in our community.
No matter the child care option parents choose, the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) provides direct, tax-free support, helping about 3.5 million families every year, including over 450,000 families in B.C. While families can use the benefit however they need, for many it significantly reduces the burden of child care expenses – in some cases, cutting them entirely thanks to federal, provincial and territorial investments to reduce child care fees in the Canada-wide early learning and child care system.
Media Contact:
Jenn Armstrong
Communications Officer
Sea to Sky School District (No. 48)