The City of Pitt Meadows is developing a Community Child Care Plan to better understand current capacity, identify shortfalls, establish overall community needs, and to determine 10 year targets for space creation.
In spring 2019, the City of Pitt Meadows received a $25,000 grant for a community childcare needs assessment under the 2019 Community Child Care Planning grant program administered by the Union of BC Municipalities.
Through the assessment process, the City engaged with the community of existing child care providers, parents, Katzie First Nation, School District 42, and children to ensure the needs, priorities and values of Pitt Meadows families are understood and incorporated into the plan.
The Child Care Needs Assessment was presented to City Council on April 28, 2020. Watch the Council Meeting Video here.
Strategic Directions
Based on the findings of the needs assessment, the following strategic directions have been recommended for Pitt Meadows Community Child Care Plan:
- Strengthen Pitt Meadows’ regional role in providing child care essential services to residents, and to those who contribute to and participate in the local economy.
- Facilitate and support community efforts in the development of additional child care spaces.
- Improve access for all families to ‘child-centric’ care throughout the community, with an emphasis on natural landscapes and community parks.
- Work with neighbouring municipalities and First Nations to establish a child care monitoring, funding, reporting, and information framework.
- Identify opportunities for advocacy, partnerships, and collaboration related to city child care systems.
Public Engagement
From December 2019 to February 2020, two surveys were available online at HaveYourSayPittMeadows.ca for both parents/caregivers and child care providers.
Family Day Circus Pop-up Booth – February 17, 2020
Parents, caregivers and child care providers were invited to stop by the booth at the Family Day Circus to share their thoughts on child care and to learn more about the Child Care Needs Assessment.
Child Care Provider Open House – February 5, 2020
The City and its needs assessment partners met with child care providers and early childhood educators at the Pitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre. The purpose was to hear from chid care providers on all things related to child care in Pitt Meadows
Christmas in Pitt Meadows Pop-up Booth – December 7, 2019
Parents, caregivers and child care providers were invited to provide feedback on local child care needs, challenges and opportunities.
For more information, contact
Development Services
Email: info@pittmeadows.ca
Phone: 604.465.5454