What would it cost for the Burnaby school board to run its own child-care centres at local schools – and what would parents pay?
District staff laid out the numbers in a recent report.
Included in a feasibility study launched to explore ways the district could expand before- and after-school child care at local schools was the option of the district owning, operating and staffing programs directly.
Parents would pay $350 per month for care on school days only (including early dismissal and professional development days); $400 for school days plus spring break; and $500 for school days, spring break and summer break, according to operating cost estimates included in the report.
The programs would be staffed with education assistants at a cost to the district of $136,241 annually for school days only, $152,212 for school days and spring break; and $216,096 for school days, spring break and summer break.
The report also factored in annual overhead costs of $20,378 for custodial services and building maintenance, and a yearly cost of $10,000 for program supplies and snacks.
The estimates are based on a centre with two portables, each staffed with two EAs.
One portable would accommodate up to 24 kids in kindergarten and Grade 1; the second would have spots for 30 kids in Grade 2 and older.
The summer-school program would accommodate up to 54 students.
Administration costs were not included in the model.
The capital cost for each portable would be between $449,500 and $500,000.
The district will begin public consultation on this and other school-based child-care options outlined in the report after spring break.
To see the full report, go to tinyurl.com/SD41childcare.
