If you plan to move in Vancouver in a few months and have kids, you probably wonder where you will place them while you’re working. Preschools and nursery schools exist in Vancouver of course, like everywhere else. But you have to know that the cost of kindergarten in British Columbia is one of the higher in Canada.

You have three solutions:

  • Nursery school from 0 to 4 years old
  • Private establishment
  • Parental childcare center

What are the differences between those three solutions?

First, let’s talk about nursery school from 0 to 4 years old. You have to know that this is not a place where they keep your children while you’re at work, because you will have to be there, in the center, with them.

They are called “Strong Start Centers”, the principle is very simple: parents come into these centers and help their children in different activities. It is an exercise for the parents and for the children, professionals teach parents to help their children to blossom.

You can find Strong Start Centers within some primary schools. Each Strong Start Center will have its own opening hours, but they usually operate in the mornings, and the service is free.

Secondly, let’s look at the nursery schools in private establishments. It is a good solution if you are looking for a place for your children while you are working. Graduated educators with vocational qualification in childcare, take care of your children of an average age of 3 to 4 years old. These establishments are of course more expensive.

You will also find center communities, the cheapest way for you thanks to government subsidies. Their price is not fixed ($80 to $1400) and it depends on the kind of school, its location and the number of days a week your child attends.

Finally, you will find parental childcare centers; parents who want to earn money at the same time as looking after their own children can look after two other children without a license. It is your decision to let your children with someone without vocational qualifications, but most of the time, the system works extremely well. The cost per month is not particularly high, $700 to $1000 to attend every day of the week.

Be aware that because some nursery schools are in competition, parents reserve a place for their babies even before their birth, so hurry up!

Learn more

For more information about living in Vancouver, British Columbia, check out these helpful articles and links:

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