The BC Government is launching a new process to help support essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Effective immediately, workers can fill out a new “parent” form stating their needs in regard to urgent child care.
Children of up to five years of age will be the primary focus of the process.
The “parent” form is available online.
Child Care Resource Referral centres in 38 communities will reach out to workers who have completed the form, and work to connect them with licensed child care spaces.
Spaces will be prioritized for children of workers in public health, social services, law enforcement, first response, and other emergency response sectors.
Remaining spaces will be available for families working in other essential services.
The Ministry of Children and Family Development is also providing temporary emergency funding to support child care providers to ensure that access to child care is maintained for essential service workers.
Furthermore, the Ministry is currently working with school districts and independent schools to ensure that children aged 5 to 12 years whose parents are essential workers are cared for.
Finally, parents are asked to care for their children at home if possible.
An FAQ about the process is available online.