ChildCareBC Bulletin

Edition 120, July 8, 2026

Archived editions

B.C. to receive $630 million in new funding for the Canada-wide early learning and child care system

In the June 24, 2026, edition of the ChildCareBC Bulletin we shared details on the Government of Canada’s announcement of $5.4 billion in new funding for the Canada-wide early learning and child care system. Today, we’re happy to confirm that British Columbia will receive approximately $630 million from this investment, helping keep child care affordable for B.C. families and supporting early childhood educators as governments work together on the long term vision for the Canada-wide system.

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Canada-British Columbia Cooperative Prosperity Agreement reinforces support for child care in B.C.

Child care is essential to economic growth – and to B.C. having the skilled workforce it needs to build critical infrastructure. On July 2, 2026, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier David Eby announced a new prosperity agreement that reflects this priority, recognizing that affordable child care is life changing for families across the province.

Together, the federal and provincial governments are focused on protecting the incredible progress made, while working to ensure B.C.’s child care system is stable, adequately resourced, and meeting the needs of families, including for school-aged care. As part of this work, Canada and British Columbia have committed to renegotiating the terms of the existing Canada-wide early learning and child care agreements to better support a stable, sustainable vision for child care in B.C. and ensure the system can continue to meet the evolving needs of families.

B.C. has led this work across Canada, and investments have already saved B.C. families more than $3 billion. The vision has always been affordable, high-quality, reliable child care for families who want or need it. Continued partnership with the federal government will help advance that work to deliver for working families.

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Early Childhood Educators of BC – Education Support Fund applications opening July 6

The Early Childhood Educators of BC (ECEBC) will be accepting applications to the Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Student Bursary and the ECE Workforce Development Bursary from 7 am on July 6 until 11:59 pm on July 17. Students can access the application form in advance through the online portal and new applicants may create their account profile.

Bursaries for the summer 2026 semester, for courses ending between May 1 and August 31, will be available to students enrolled in a program of study for early childhood education through recognized early childhood education institutions and programs. ECEBC will distribute funds 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.

Approved applicants must upload transcripts showing completed courses to their online account by 11:59 pm on September 15, 2026. Please note that ECEBC does not accept transcripts sent by third parties (school/college), or by fax, post, email or in-person.

Please contact the bursary team at bursary@ecebc.ca or call 604-709-6063 ext. 1 if you have any questions or require assistance.

For more information on the ECE Education Support Fund and to apply, please visit the ECEBC website.

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Child Care Ministerial Order – Questions and answers

As previously announced, the Child Care Ministerial Order sets the requirements for what public boards of education must include in their child care policies. The order has been removed and replaced with an updated version.

Questions and answers are now available that describe the updated version and how to use the new Child Care Change Form when there is a change to the use of school property that had been used for child care.

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Early Childhood Education Dual Credit student success stories now online

The ministry is pleased to share a series of early childhood education dual credit success stories on its dual credit web page. These stories show what innovative dual credit partnerships and programs mean to individual students.

School districts, post-secondary institutions, and other partners are encouraged to visit the dual credit web page for inspiration and information on how to launch or refine dual credit offerings, whether in early childhood education or other sectors. This web page will also serve as the location for updates on dual credit policy, related resources, and calls for grant proposals.

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Enjoy Your Baby: Mental health and wellness course

The Canadian Mental Health Association has new and improved psycho-educational courses available for new parents.

Enjoy Your Baby is a 5-session mental health and wellness course that provides the skills and resources to navigate the postpartum stage. The courses provide a social space to connect with other parents and learn and practice new evidence-based mental health promotion skills during a very stressful time of life. No diagnosis is required.

Community partners who would like to become master trainers and run the courses in their community can contact the Canadian Mental Health Association.

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Healthy Smiles Start Early Campaign

Healthy Smiles Start Early is a new campaign from BC Children’s Hospital and Child Health BC aimed at supporting families in promoting early oral health. Nearly one in three children in B.C. experience tooth decay by kindergarten age and evidence shows that steps taken as early as pregnancy and in the first year of life can help reduce the risk of cavities and support long-term dental health.

Developed with input from families, the campaign shares information through print materials, social media content, online video and a dedicated web page. Resources focus on four key areas:

• How to care for baby teeth starting from the very first tooth
• Tips for making tooth brushing easier
• Fluoride and safe amounts to use
• Dental health during pregnancy

Child care providers can email healthbridge@cw.bc.ca to order free, multi-language print materials, such as posters, postcards and stickers.

Families can visit bcchildrens.ca/dental-health to find a range of oral health information and downloadable resources for pregnancy and children ages 0-6 years, available in multiple languages.

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Reminder: ChildCareBC Survey closes July 9, 2026

There is still time to help shape the future of child care in British Columbia. Families, early childhood educators and child care operators are invited to complete the voluntary ChildCareBC engagement survey before July 9, 2026.

Since the launch of ChildCareBC in 2018, families have seen substantially lower fees, more spaces and a bigger workforce in the sector with the newest social program in B.C. in a generation. The Province continues to build on this progress and is seeking input to guide the future of child care.

This survey is voluntary and is separate from the ongoing mandatory Provider Profile Survey. Please feel free to share the survey poster with your networks.

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