ChildCareBC Bulletin

Edition 105, June 25, 2025

Archived editions

Reminder: Submit your application to the ECE Education Support Fund by end of day June 27

The Early Childhood Educators of BC are accepting applications to the Early Childhood Education Student Bursary and Workforce Development Bursary programs until June 27 at 11:59 p.m.

Bursaries will be available to students enrolled in a program of study for early childhood education in recognized post-secondary institutions. Funding will be distributed upon proof of course completion with a passing grade, through the submission of a transcript following the end of the semester. Please note only Canadian citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply and receive bursaries.

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 Indigenous History Month

June is Indigenous History Month in Canada—a time to honour and celebrate the rich heritage, diverse cultures, languages, and histories of Indigenous Peoples throughout British Columbia and across Canada. Ongoing learning is one meaningful way each of us can move forward on our own path toward reconciliation.

On June 21, National Indigenous Peoples’ Day, communities throughout the province celebrated the many ways in which the diversity, achievements and resilience of Indigenous Peoples continue to shape our province for the better.

You can learn more about the Indigenous communities around you through this interactive map, and download the Reconciliation: A Starting Point app to deepen your understanding of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, including significant historical events and ongoing reconciliation efforts.

To continue your learning journey, visit the Government of Canada’s Indigenous History Month Learning Resources website.

The Ministry of Education and Child Care is committed to consultation and cooperation with First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, and collaborating with Indigenous partners to develop distinctions-based, culturally safe approaches to child care and wraparound services. For more information on how to access Indigenous-led child care, as well as additional child care resources and supports, please visit the Information for First Nations, Métis and Inuit families web page.

While Indigenous History Month is a time to celebrate the rich cultures and contributions of Indigenous Peoples, it is also a time for reflection. It is important to acknowledge the lasting impacts of colonialism and assimilation policies, including the intergenerational impacts of historical trauma on mental health and well-being. For those seeking support with mental health, there are Indigenous-focused mental health resources available on the Virtual mental health supports web page.

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Pride Month

Throughout British Columbia and Canada, people have come together for Pride 2025 to support equal human rights for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and to celebrate and reflect on 2SLGBTQIA+ culture and history.

ChildCareBC is working to build child care as a core service—one that supports child care providers and early childhood professionals in welcoming all families and creating spaces where every child can feel a sense of belonging. Inclusive child care embraces and celebrates the diverse identities and unique strengths of all staff, families, and children.

We have gathered a list of resources to help create inclusive child care environments and support 2SLGBTQIA+ staff, families and friends.

Two-Spirit resources

Two-Spirit is a term used within some Indigenous communities, encompassing cultural, spiritual, sexual and gender identity. The term reflects complex Indigenous understandings of gender roles, spirituality, and the long history of sexual and gender diversity in Indigenous cultures. 

The following resources are available to support Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQIA+ youth, families and allies.

• Trans Care BC – Provides a list of Indigenous-focused 2SLGBTQIA+ local groups and initiatives in addition to resources though Trans Care BC
• Indigenous Perspectives Society Centre of Excellence in Community Education – Offers the course Coming In: Peer Ally-ship with Two Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQI Youth and participants can register to attend the July 24 session

2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusion resources for child care providers and early childhood professionals

The following resources are available to help child care providers and early childhood professionals create inclusive environments in which all staff, families and children are supported to belong.

• erase = expect respect & a safe education – erase is all about building safe and caring school communities. This includes empowering students, parents, educators and the community partners who support them to get help with challenges, report concerns to schools, and learn about complex issues facing students

• Westcoast Early Learning Library – Part of the Westcoast Child Care Resource and Referral Centre, the library offers access to a collection of books, articles and resources, including those related to gender identity and sexual orientation

Action plans

• Government of Canada’s 2SLGBTQIA+ Action Plan – A five-year action plan that “aims to advance rights, improve social, economic and health outcomes for 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians”

Additional resources

• Foundations of Inclusive Child Care Training – Geared toward child care providers, early childhood professionals and others in the child care sector, this free course provides an overview of inclusive practices and strategies and is worth 12 Pro-D hours
• British Columbia’s Early Learning Framework – Early childhood professionals play a pivotal role in creating classrooms that are welcoming of all families and children, including those with diverse gender expressions and identities. The Early Learning Framework highlights inclusive, high-quality child care services
• Learning in the Primary Years – The Ministry of Education and Child Care has revised the "Primary Program Framework" first published in 2000. Now called "Learning in the Primary Years," the updated resource supports learning in kindergarten through Grade 3 and reflects pedagogy inclusive of Indigenous worldviews, as well as the current B.C. context

If you or someone you know is experiencing discrimination or harassment related to sexual orientation or gender identity, help is available.

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Reminder: Emergency Management Resource Package and Key Contacts

The Ministry of Education and Child Care has created resources to support child care facilities and school districts with emergency preparedness, response and recovery. The K-12 Education and Child Care: Emergency Management Key Contacts includes key contact information for ministry and partner staff in the event of emergency. This document is intended for child care facilities, school districts and independent schools.

The K-12 Education and Child Care: Emergency Management Resource Package Spring 2025 is a collection of information and resources for child care facilities, school administrators, independent schools, families and community regarding emergency management, wildfires, heat events, mental health and well-being, financial resources and droughts.

The Emergency Management Planning Guide for Schools, Districts and Authorities supports schools, districts and authorities in emergency mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery processes.

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