Child Care Action Plan

Sunshine Coast Child Care Action Plan

The Sunshine Coast Childcare Action Plan was completed in February 2020, a collaboration among the District of Sechelt, Town of Gibsons and Sunshine Coast Regional District, with support from a steering committee comprised of local child care advocates, government agencies and local business.

The Plan reflects a significant amount of feedback from parents and guardians, child care providers and stakeholders.

The findings indicate that the Sunshine Coast is experiencing a severe lack of child care, where less than one in five families is able to secure licensed (regulated) child care. The ratio drops to approximately one in nine families for infant/toddlers (0 to 3 years old) and one in 11 families for before- and after-school care (6-12 years old).

The lack of accessible, affordable and quality child care has impacts on the economic development of the region, the health and well being of families, and the long term success of children.

The Plan sets 10-year targets for the creation of new child care spaces and identifies the actions required for achievement.