More day cares in schools?
Denise Harper believes schools should be "centres of neighbourhoods," so she welcomes a proposed provincial legislative change requiring school boards make space available for licensed day cares.
Harper, chairwoman of the Kamloops-Thompson board of education, said the institutions "should be so familiar to the little ones who arrive for kindergarten that it's a seamless transition for them."
The change, part of the Miscellaneous Statues Amendment Act, was tabled by the provincial Liberal government last month and will be discussed at a meeting of the school board on Monday, March 11.
If passed, it would require school boards promote the use of their properties for day-care services on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.
The legislation would allow boards to pass on the costs to do this, but not make a profit.
Noting the school district already leases parts of school properties, Harper said she encourages any licensed day-care providers to contact the board.
"I am totally in support of this," she said, "and hope day-care providers take advantage of this opportunity."
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