A new centre for childhood studies at Capilano University will more than double the available child care spaces at the North Vancouver campus.
Slated to open late 2024, the purpose-built centre will add 74 affordable new child care spaces for a total of 143 on-campus spaces for infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers. Students, employees and community members are all eligible to apply for space for their children at the new centre.
“The new centre for childhood studies will provide a positive learning environment for children and support their parents who are advancing their own studies. By doubling the available spaces for child care on campus, we’re decreasing the cost of living and removing barriers to education for British Columbia’s next generation of workers, innovators and leaders,” said Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training Anne Kang,
To enhance the student learning experience, the centre will also offer 2,135 square metres (23,000 square feet) of new studio space, study and research labs, classrooms and faculty offices. The two-storey sustainably built facility will increase opportunities for practicum placements on campus for students from Capilano University’s school of education and childhood studies.
The $18.6-million centre for childhood studies project is receiving $9.46 million from the province, including $6.5 million from the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training and $2.96 million from the Ministry of Education and Child Care Children. Capilano University is contributing $9.14 million toward the project.
“Quality child care is closely linked to social and economic development and vitally important for many families. The new centre for childhood studies will build on the great work already underway at CapU to continue to meet the growing needs of childhood educators and families in the community,” said Paul Dangerfield, president, Capilano University.
This building expansion is part of the province’s 10-year ChildCareBC Plan, which has funded 30,500 new licensed child care spaces throughout the province since 2018.
