School District 68 trustees formally requested staff to look into the possibility of a District-run, on-site before/after school program. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

staff report

Nanaimo-Ladysmith school district investigates expanding before & after school care

Feb 25, 2022 | 5:30 AM

NANAIMO — Providing additional on-site before and after school care in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith public school system will be further explored.

During its regular board meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 23, District 68 trustees requested a staff report to look into the viability of on-site before and after school care for elementary aged students provided by CUPE support staff.

The motion tabled by board chair Charlene McKay requested a business case for a pilot program, with any potential service run by the District be financially self-sustainable.

“This would allow us to undertake such a pilot without having to make any shifts or changes throughout other places in our system,” McKay said, who noted having the service be affordable is important.

A report outlining feasibility options is expected to be submitted the board next fall.

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Trustee Tania Brzovic said more before and after school care spaces could provide a lot of positives, particularly for vulnerable students.

“To have it on a site where they’re familiar and with people they know will make a huge difference in supporting our kids. This is an exciting first step,” Brzovic said.

Most local elementary schools and other SD 68 properties are used by private providers to deliver on-site childcare or before and after school care.

The District confirmed more than 800 children are enrolled in those existing programs.

Provincial funding for a pilot project known as “seamless care” was approved in October for on-site before and after school supervision for upwards of a dozen students at Departure Bay Elementary.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes