New daycare subsidy rules help parents*
Vancouver Island News Group - Ladysmith Chronicle
January 22, 2008

Some parents of kindergarten-age children stand to save money in 2008 with a change to subsidy eligibility, said a Ladysmith childcare provider.

Families with children turning six during their kindergarten year and attending a regulated child-care facility will now continue to receive a higher subsidy rate.

Previously, once the child turned six, the subsidy was eliminated. The Ministry of Children and Family Development announced the change last November.

"All of the parents are quite happy," said Niki Stuart, licensed program supervisor with the Ladysmith Boys and Girls Club, where 13 children's kindercare spots are subsidized. "That was an appreciated change," she said.

The subsidy covers $340 towards the monthly $500 fee….

* estimated 600-700 in BC families according to MCFD