​The District has been tasked to provide learning/childcare services to parents that have no other option for childcare, as well as meet the definition below as Essential Service Workers (ESW):

• Tier 1: healthcare workers and emergency responders; 
• Tier 2: workers supporting vulnerable populations (e.g. social workers, income assistance workers); utilities workers and workers supporting key supply chain functions (e.g. grocery store workers, warehouse workers); and 
• Tier 3: teachers and childcare workers who do not have access to childcare and who are providing care or instruction to children of ESWs 
  

ESWs that can make other arrangements for care with older siblings, partners or other relatives must do so to support the practice of social distancing. Please see below for an update on how the District will be proceeding with its mandate to provide childcare service for ESWs:

• Childcare will only be provided for children from Kindergarten to grade 6. 
• If one or more of your children are older than grade 6 and will require childcare due to special needs, this will be assessed on a case by case basis by the school principal and District Student Support Services. 
• Childcare will be provided during the hours of 8:00AM to 4:00PM, Monday to Friday. 
• We will be endeavoring for this service to be provided in your neighbourhood school. 
• Should there be capacity issues and the District is not able to provide service to all parents that meet the ESW definition, the District will be prioritizing service based on the tiers, with Tier 1 workers taking priority. There may be further prioritization within Tier 1 under guidance from the Provincial Government and Health Authority.
• If you are a School District staff member, it is our expectation that the majority of staff will be able to accommodate childcare for their children by working from home. If you work in a position where you cannot work from home, please let your school know when you are contacted next week. 

You will be notified by April 3 about the status of childcare for your child(ren). This service will be phased in with priority service expected to commence on April 6.

As all efforts are being dedicated to finalizing plans for safety, learning/childcare for essential service workers and continuity of learning, we please ask that you do not contact the District or your school prior to April 6. You will be provided more details and your school will be in touch with you as soon as planning is completed. 
 
If you have not done so already and believe that you would qualify for this service per above, please go to https://sd23survey.sd23.bc.ca/COVID-19-EW.aspx