Before and after school childcare (BASC) is one of the most in-demand licensed childcare categories in Surrey BC. Working parents whose children are in Kindergarten through Grade 6 often need licensed care from 7:00–8:30am before school, and from 2:30–5:30pm after school. This guide covers what Surrey BC families should know about licensed BASC programs in 2026.
What Is Licensed Before and After School Care in BC?
Licensed Before and After School Care (BASC) in BC is regulated under the Child Care Regulations and requires an MCFD licence for group care. Licensed BASC centres must maintain specified staff-to-child ratios, employ ECE-certified educators or equivalent, and meet facility safety standards. BASC differs from preschool or daycare in age range — it serves school-age children (typically Kindergarten through Grade 6, approximately 5–12 years). It operates on the school calendar: September to June, typically closing during school breaks unless a “professional day/school break” program is offered.
Surrey BC BASC: What to Look For
When evaluating before and after school care in Surrey BC: MCFD licence category: Look for “School-Age Child Care” licence category on the BC Community Care Facilities Registry. Proximity to your child’s school: BASC programs typically provide school pickup — confirm which Surrey elementary schools the centre serves. Program quality: School-age children need more than supervised waiting. Look for homework support, structured recreational activities, outdoor play, and age-appropriate programming. Communication: Clear pickup/dropoff procedures and daily communication are essential. Holiday/professional day care: Confirm whether extended care is available during school breaks.
BC Child Care Subsidy for School-Age Care
BC’s Child Care Subsidy (CCSS) applies to licensed BASC programs. Income-qualifying families can apply the subsidy to before and after school care costs at any MCFD-licensed BASC provider. Apply at gov.bc.ca/childcaresubsidy before your child’s care start date.
Mini Minds Childcare: Current Age Group Coverage
Mini Minds Childcare currently operates licensed programs for infants (0–18 months), toddlers (18 months–3 years), and preschool-age children (3–5 years). Contact Mini Minds for information about our current age group coverage and any upcoming program expansions. For before and after school care specifically, Surrey BC families should check the BC Community Care Facilities Registry for licensed BASC providers near their child’s school.
Mini Minds Childcare at 19228 96 Ave, Newton, Surrey BC is MCFD-licensed for infants (6 weeks – 18 months), toddlers (18 months – 3 years), and preschoolers (3 – 5 years). All educators hold BC ECE certification. BC Child Care Subsidy (CCSS) accepted for qualifying families – apply at gov.bc.ca/childcaresubsidy before care starts. For questions about availability, CCSS eligibility, or to book a tour, contact Mini Minds directly.
Why Licensed Childcare in Surrey BC Matters
Licensed childcare centres in Surrey BC are inspected by MCFD and must maintain strict staff-to-child ratios: 1:4 for infants, 1:4 for toddlers, and 1:8 for preschoolers. Educators must hold BC ECE certification. When evaluating any Surrey BC licensed centre, verify their licence at gov.bc.ca/CCFR before booking a tour. Use the 40-question tour checklist at minimindschildcare.ca/daycare-tour-checklist-surrey-bc/ to evaluate each centre systematically.