Parents using out of school care this fall will see an increase in their subsidy rates, according to the minister of state for child care…..

Sunshine Children's Centre in Trail runs two out of school programs, one at Fruitvale Elementary and one for children attending St. Michael's School. Manager Lynn Proulx said the subsidy increase is good news.

"Any kind of increase to subsidy is a positive change. It is going to help out parents that do use the subsidy program."

The real cost of child care is more than the subsidy rate but the increase "will help out with the parent portion," she said. "It may cover all of it depending on how many hours and days the children come."

The need for out of school care is on the rise in the area, she added, as more and more employment opportunities are available for parents.

"Both of our programs are running full," Proulx said. Most parents use out of school care between 2:30-5:30 p.m. and on the days that school is not in session. Kindergarten children can use the program to complement the hours when they are in school….