Terrace looks to assess local child care space needs

The City of Terrace is looking for a consultant to identify and plan for future needs in child care.

The city recently posted a request for proposals (RFP) on BC Bids website looking for proponents to develop an inventory of childcare spaces available in the city, identify gaps, and develop a child care action plan.

Last month the city received a $25,000 grant from the province to conduct the assessment, despite concerns the responsibility of creating and facilitating daycare spaces falls outside of the local government's authority.

"Like education and health care, the delivery of child care services is outside the city's mandate. Given the value of child care to our residents and local economy, the city is prepared to undertake an inventory of the child care spaces currently available in our community, identify space creation targets, and identify actions that can be taken to meet those space creation targets," reads the city's RFP.

Proposals will be graded on the applicant's capability to carry out the project, their methodology and historical performance. Successful candidates will undertake consultation with key stakeholders, including local child care providers and parents for input. All final report materials will then be sent to the Ministry of Children and Family Development.

A budget for the assessment has been set at $22,500. The RFP will close April 19 before its awarded on May 6.