Access to child care is a key component in ensuring that Prince Rupert is a livable community, able to attract and retain residents to support anticipated growth on the North Coast. In 2019-2020, the City completed a Child Care Assessment and Action Plan to help understand the local demand for child care spaces, which identified a gap of 49 spaces - a number that has likely increased due to the increased number of children identified in the 2021 census.
Prince Rupert Child Care Assessment and Plan (2020)
Local research suggested that additional information regarding available child care resources would be beneficial for local families and child care providers alike. The City of Prince Rupert has developed this online resource page to assist with meeting that need.
Please note that we do our best to keep this information up to date, but may not always be aware of local or Provincial programming changes. If you notice an error or out of date information, please feel free to report it to:
Veronika Stewart,
Communications Manager, City of Prince Rupert
(250) 627 0976
veronika.stewart@princerupert.ca
Access to Child Care
Community Child Care Resource
The Berry Patch is Prince Rupert’s local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) agency, providing a direct link to an up to date local registry of child care spaces, as well as supports for applying to child care assistance and benefits.
The Berry Patch CCRR
300-2nd Ave. West
Prince Rupert BC
V8J 1G6
Tel: 250-622-2434, Fax: 250-622-2435
e-mail: berrypatch@citywest.ca
Provincial Child Care Spaces Map
Additionally, the Province has an online registry and associated map, which providers can elect to be included in. Find the link to local child care spaces, here: Child Care Map
Supportive Programming for Parents
A number of local service agencies offer programs to help parents develop skills to help them raise healthy, happy children.
The City’s Community Resource Directory lists a number of these programs. Though programming availability sometimes changes due to availability of funding or community need, the organizations offering supportive programs are relatively consistent. Below are a list of the primary local providers.
- The Berry Patch Child Care Resource and Referral Program
- Ministry of Children & Family Development
- North Coast Community Services
- The Growing Space Society
- Kaien Anti Poverty Society
- The Friendship House Association
Indigenous Specific Supports
Strongstart Program
Strongstart is a school based, early learning, free program for 0 to 5 year old preschool children and their parents or caregivers. For more Information Strong Start locations, check out the School District website, here.
(If your organization offers parenting programming and is not listed above, please contact Veronika Stewart, Communications Manager at the City of Prince Rupert to be included in this guide).
Northern Health Inspection Reports
As the regulator of child care licensing in Prince Rupert, Northern Health provides regular inspections of local child care providers. The posted inspection reports are available, here. Follow the link to the Public Health Protection Portal, click “Community Care Facilities” in the right hand column, and then select “Prince Rupert” from the list of communities. (Unfortunately there is no direct link available for the page, but following these instructions should lead you to the appropriate place).
Financial Supports
Maternity/Parental Benefits
Maternity and parental benefits in Canada are offered through your employer (inquire directly) and/or through the Federal Employment Insurance (EI) program. Eligibility information, applications, updates on application status, and other information is available online.
It is highly recommended to apply as soon as possible after you stop working. If you wait more than 4 weeks after your last day of work to apply, you may lose benefits.
For more information on the application process and to apply directly, follow this link.
Affordable Child Care Benefit:
The Affordable Child Care Benefit is a provincial program offering a monthly payment to help eligible families with the cost of child care. Factors like income, family size, and type of care determine how much support families can get. Families must renew their application every year. Find out more about the Program, including eligibility and potential funding amounts, here.
Young Parent Program
Parents who are under the age of 25 may qualify for Provincial help with child care while they finish high school – including:
- Up to $1,500 (per month per child) to help cover the cost of child care
- A space for their child in a care program at or near the school they're attending
This program is included in the application for the Affordable Child Care Benefit noted above, with some additional eligibility requirements, including that the child is enrolled in a license child care facility that is operating an approved Young Parent Program. For more information, click here.
*Please note that this information may not be the most up to date available, please contact the associated Ministry for most recent available programming options, or reach out to the Berry Patch CCR.