Policy & Planning
Municipal Jurisdiction
The City of Richmond is committed to supporting and creating accessible, affordable, inclusive and quality child care for the Richmond community. The City demonstrates its commitment to child care by partnering with other levels of government, and the private and non-profit sectors to understand, track and address child care needs of families in Richmond. Some of the key roles played by the City of Richmond and priorities that are currently being implemented in relation to child care are outlined in the Richmond Child Care Strategy 2024-2034.
Provincial Jurisdiction
The Provincial Government is responsible for child care legislation and public policy, child care facility licensing, educator certification, operating funding programs, and fee subsidies. Visit the BC Ministry of Education and Child Care for information on the Province’s approach to child care in British Columbia and resources for educators and families.
Federal Jurisdiction
Education and child care fall primarily under provincial jurisdiction. The federal role is limited largely to the transfer of funds to provincial and territorial governments for early childhood programs and services. The Federal Government also provides the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) to families with children under the age of 18 years.
Child Care Development Policy
The City of Richmond acknowledges that child care is an essential service in the community for residents, employers and employees.
The Child Care Development Policy outlines the City of Richmond’s role and responsibilities in relation to child care in the community.
Child Care Development Advisory Committee
The Child Care Development Advisory Committee is comprised of parents, child care providers, Early Childhood Educators and interested members of the Richmond Community. Its purpose is to provide advice and recommendations to City Council regarding the planning, development, support and promotion of a range of quality, affordable and accessible child care in Richmond.
For more information and to apply to become a member, visit Advisory Bodies.
Child Care Month
Child Care Month is celebrated in May each year in BC and in the City of Richmond. This provides an opportunity to celebrate the dedication and commitment that Early Childhood Educators and child care providers demonstrate each day in our community.
The Richmond Child Care Development Advisory Committee, in collaboration with Richmond Child Care Resource and Referral (a program of Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives) and the Richmond Public Library, organize public events for Child Care Month. Events include a symposium event for Early Childhood Educators, child care providers and parents, and a Children’s Art Exhibition featuring creations from local child care programs.
Richmond Child Care Strategy 2024-2034
The City has developed a 10-year Child Care Strategy, which identifies current and future child care needs and provides a set of strategic directions and actions to be undertaken over the next 10 years. 
Richmond Child Care Strategy 2024-2034
The Richmond Child Care Strategy 2024-2034 supports the vision that ‘the community has access to a range of affordable, inclusive, accessible and quality child care options that support and enhance child development, learning and growth and meet the needs of families who live or work in Richmond.’
Richmond Child Care Design Guidelines
The City of Richmond Child Care Design Guidelines assist City staff and the development community in the creation of high quality child care facilities within Richmond. This document applies to all City-owned or City-leased premises. The Guidelines are provided to the public as a resource for information only and compliance is not mandated.