EXCERPTS
Child care providers in BC are receiving a provincial funding boost and, soon, a pay increase.
Yesterday, the province announced 20 million dollars in one-time grants to help providers meet the challenges of operating during a pandemic.
Licensed providers who are open and regularly receive provincial funding will receive 160 dollars per space, based on maximum capacity.
Operators who receive Child Care Operating Funding, and those participating in the 10 dollar a day child care program will be issued grants this month.
Funds can be used to purchase cleaning supplies, sanitizer or masks, hiring of cleaning companies, or additional staff to cover illness related absences.
In addition, licensed early childhood educators will be eligible for a pay increase of up to 4 dollars per hour starting next month.
That pay increase is retroactive to September of last year, when the latest wage enhancement was announced.