We are reaching out to ask for your support! The $10-a-day Discovery Kids Childcare program in Squamish has been a huge benefit to our community, but recent changes to how it's funded are putting the future of affordable, quality care at risk.

This program has been transformative for families, offering affordable, high-quality care that allows them to work and contribute to their community. However, we are alarmed by news of significant changes to the funding model on the horizon, which threaten the program’s sustainability and the quality of care our children receive.

Major concerns under the current funding structure:

● Costs are rising due to inflation and minimum wage increases, and daycare funding is being significantly cut. 

● The funding model assumes minimum staffing, without recognizing the real needs of children — especially those requiring additional support.

● There is no funding support for daycares to reward early childhood educators who advance their skills and qualifications.

● Staff are paid according to their role rather than their qualifications, leading to turnover and instability in programs.

● Increased administrative burdens are taking time and resources away from children.

Without urgent adjustments, Discovery Kids Squamish, will likely be forced to withdraw from the program or alter their operations in ways that significantly reduce the quality and availability of childcare. Families would be left with no affordable options and great uncertainty. Forty-seven children could lose the amazing care they currently receive. Consider the impact these changes will have for any other daycare in our community hoping to offer the $10-a-day program to their families. 

We respectfully urge the government to:

1. Immediately implement an increase to funding levels to reflect rising costs and inflation.
2. Immediately implement a competitive, publicly funded provincial wage grid establishing a wage range of at least $30-$40 per hour.
3. Recognize the diverse operational models of daycares rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
4. Reduce unnecessary administrative burdens on providers.

We are grateful for the progress made through the $10-a-day program, but its success depends on continued investment and thoughtful adjustments that reflect the realities faced by providers, staff, and families. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. British Columbia’s children deserve stable, high-quality care, and we are counting on your leadership to make that possible.