Mother unimpressed with promise to keep Champlain kids care program alive
Sandra Thomas, Vancouver Courier
February 15, 2010

A Vancouver parent says if the out-of-school program at Champlain Heights Community Centre ends this June, she'll be forced to move her six-year-old daughter to a different school.

"I've done a whole bunch of research and I was only able to find one lady that does licensed after-school care that's near the [Champlain Heights Community] school," said Shannon Nichols. "And I think she's only allowed to take two school-aged children."

On Dec. 18, the park board approved its operating budget that includes eliminating the staff position for the Kidstreet Clubhouse after-school care program at Champlain. The cut was in response to a $2.8 million shortfall for the board's 2010 operating budget. ….

On Feb. 1, the parents of children attending Kidstreet received a letter explaining the Champlain Heights Community Association could no longer oversee the operation of the program due to budget cuts. Nichols notes the staff position is worth less than $60,000 a year.

She added the program has about 45 children attending, with another 50 on the waiting list. "Those parents are in the same situation as us," said Nichols. "If they can't find daycare in the area close by, those children won't be able to attend [Champlain] school either."

Nichols placed her six-year-old daughter on the waiting list for the daycare 17 months before she started school last September. Nichol's son, who starts school September 2011, has been on the waiting list for months.

"There are a few moms in the neighbourhood who aren't licensed, but can take an extra child or two," said Nichols. "But if parents are looking for daycare for 50 kids, we're all going to end up tearing those places apart trying to get a space."…

"I can't imagine who that will be, the city and the school board are strapped and don't want to take on more," said Nichols. "Meanwhile this is all for $60,000 or less.” ….