Abbotsford School District Expands Childcare Capacity with 226 New Licensed Spaces

The Abbotsford School District is excited to announce the opening of 226 new licensed childcare spaces this September—a major milestone in supporting families and young learners across the community.

Two brand-new childcare centres, both located on school grounds, will open their doors:

• Auguston Traditional Elementary (operated by Creating Smiles Childcare Society) will offer:
  • 12 infant spaces
  • 16 spaces for children aged 3–5
  • 54 spaces for before and after school care
• Margaret Stenerson Elementary (operated by Fraser Valley Montessori Childcare) will provide:
  • 8 infant spaces
  • 16 toddler spaces
  • 24 before and after school care spaces

These two purpose-built centres were made possible thanks to capital investments from the Ministry of Infrastructure.

“As more families settle in Abbotsford, we're pleased to see new childcare options meeting the growing demand,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure. “We understand how essential childcare is for families, and by collocating child care on school grounds we’re making the most use out of child-friendly spaces in communities and streamlining pick-ups and drop-offs for busy parents.”

In addition, before and after school care will be expanded at four elementary schools—John Maclure, Mountain, Aberdeen, and Jackson—adding 24 new spaces in partnership with Hand in Hand Childcare Society and Little Dreams Childcare.

“This is a proud moment for our district,” said Shirley Wilson, Chair of the Abbotsford Board of Education. “We are appreciative of the Ministry of Infrastructure for its significant investment in the new centres, and to our community partners and staff for their dedication to expanding childcare access.”

The Abbotsford School District continues to collaborate with school-based teams and local organizations to address waitlists for before and after school care. These additional spaces reflect a shared commitment to meeting the needs of families and strengthening early learning opportunities across the district.