30 new child care spaces open at school in Jaffray

Parents and guardians in the Southeast Kootenay School District may be able to rest a little easier with the announcement of some new child care spaces in the community.

Thirty new spaces for before- and after-school care have opened at Jaffray Elementary Junior Secondary School (JESS), thanks to a joint B.C. and federal funding of $1.2 million through the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund.

“Adding new child care spaces at Jaffray Elementary Junior Secondary School will make a real difference for local families,” said Lisa Beare, minister of education and child care. “We are committed to creating these spaces to support early learning, build strong connections, and help children develop skills that will carry them forward in life.”

The spaces will be operated by South Country SPC Society, also known as South Country Kids Care.

The grand opening event was held on April 15, along with the Ready, Set, Learn program, which includes introducing play-based activities and resources to help get kids ready for kindergarten.