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The YMCA's infant and toddler child care programs in both West Sechelt and Gibsons, about 50 and 30 kilometres northwest of Vancouver, respectively, will be closed as of Oct. 1 due to a staffing shortage, according to a statement from the organization.
It's the latest knock to parents in need of child care in a region where services are stretched to the limit due to high housing costs, low supply, and worker shortages.
"This decision was not taken lightly and we are working with a range of stakeholders to try and reopen these programs as soon as possible," said the YMCA statement.
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The B.C. Ministry of Education and Child Care said staff have been working with YMCA, local government and the community to explore solutions, noting eight of the affected families have already found new child care arrangements.
It said the province is taking steps to offer streamlined assessment processes for internationally educated ECEs, and is advocating for the federal government to increase B.C.'s allocation under the Provincial Nominee Program, which allows provinces to nominate people for permanent residency who have specific skills needed in the local job market.