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Welcome to Season 6 Episode 2 of our BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast!  This episode is dedicated in memory of Dianne Liscumb. As we re-air this podcast episode, we do so in loving memory of Dianne Liscumb, a remarkable leader, educator, mentor, and former Executive Director of WCCRC (now CCRC), who passed away on September 15. Dianne dedicated her life to strengthening child care and early childhood education in British Columbia. Beginning her journey with the organization in early 1990, she helped shape the Child Care Resource and Referral model that would go on to support children, families, and educators across the province. As Executive Director from 1998 to 2012, she led with wisdom, humility, and vision, championing innovation, learning, and excellence while always keeping people at the heart of her work. Those who knew Dianne remember not only her extraordinary professional contributions but also her kindness, generosity, and unwavering belief in the potential of others. She was a thoughtful mentor who encouraged people to grow, a trusted colleague who brought calm and clarity during challenging times, and a passionate advocate for the child care community. Her quiet strength, compassionate leadership, and commitment to lifelong learning left a lasting impression on countless individuals. Today, Dianne's legacy lives on in the programs she helped build, the resources she developed, the leaders she inspired, and the relationships she nurtured. The values she embodied, collaboration, respect, curiosity, and service, continue to guide our work and strengthen our community. We invite you to revisit this conversation in honour of Dianne and the profound impact she had on the field of early childhood education. We are deeply grateful for her leadership, her mentorship, and the enduring gift of her vision. She will be remembered with great respect, appreciation, and affection by all whose lives she touched. ❤️ Listen now at BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast: Season 6, Episode 2 or wherever you get your podcasts.

Welcome to Season 6 Episode 1 of our BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast!  During our kick-off episode of our new season, we are joined by Eric Swanson. Eric Swanson is an urban planning and policy specialist and Principal at Third Space Planning. His work with organizations including the Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC, Early Childhood Educators of BC, and Child Care Now, has focused on educator compensation, operational funding models, flexible and non-standard care, capital expansion, facility design, and environmental health, with hands-on experience supporting child care capital projects through BC’s New Spaces Fund.  Eric serves on BC’s Provincial Child Care Council, is Co-Chair of the Board at Fernwood Neighbourhood House—a major $10aDay provider in Victoria—and is a parent of two young children in $10aDay care. $10aDay Resources - Here you'll find all of the major $10aDay publications shared on this episode. Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC Membership - Become a member now to help support this important work. We invite you to listen to this conversation on urban planning and policy in the child care sector. Listen now at BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast: Season 6, Episode 1 or wherever you get your podcasts.

Welcome to a special episode of BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast. Although we are taking a brief summer break, we felt it was important to re-air this special episode in honour of Stephanie Smith, who devoted more than four decades to advancing workers' rights and social justice, and whose recent passing has left many across the labour movement and beyond, mourning the loss of a remarkable leader. As the first woman elected president of the BCGEU, an early childhood educator by training, and a lifelong advocate for workers, child care, and social justice, Stephanie's impact was profound and far-reaching. We invite you to revisit this conversation and reflect on her wisdom, compassion, and unwavering commitment to building a more just and caring world. We extend our deepest condolences to Stephanie’s family, friends, and the many people whose lives she touched through her leadership, advocacy, and friendship. Her legacy of solidarity, compassion, and service will not be forgotten. Listen now at BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast: Season 5, Episode 9 or wherever you get your podcasts.

Welcome to Season 5 Episode 8 of our BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast!  We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for an amazing fifth season of BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast with our listeners across the globe, special guests and hosts that have made this season and podcast all possible.  During this snippet, we share an update on our upcoming summer podcast schedule, and prepare for an exciting introduction to our sixth season of the podcast returning in September.  We look forward to seeing you all again very soon for more conversations in BC's child care systems and beyond. Listen now at BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast: Season 5, Episode 8 or wherever you get your podcasts.

Welcome to Season 5 Episode 7 of our BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast!  During this episode, we're joined by Nicky Byres. Nicky Byres has led the Society of Richmond Children's Centres for almost 3 decades. Building a multi-site, non-profit from 2 centres to 6 centres with 13 programs and 70 educators serving 230 families with values-based leadership. Nicky is also an instructor in the post-basic ECE training program in Delta and a Communities of Practice Mentor.  She has been published several times and given keynotes and led professional learning across BC and Canada. She is a co-leader of Educating for Democracy, an initiative of Exchange Pressin the United States through the Reimagining Our Work (ROW) Initiative. Her skill set is organizational leadership, and her heart is in the pedagogy of early childhood.   Listen now at BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast Season 5, Episode 7: or wherever you get your podcasts.

Welcome to Season 5 Episode 6 of our BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast!  During this episode, we're joined by Safiya Ayuen. Safiya is a policy researcher and analyst with a background in international relations, human rights, and community-informed policy work. She holds a B.A. in International Relations from the University of British Columbia and a certificate in Human Rights and Global Development from Sciences Po, Paris.  In her recent role as a Policy and Engagement Officer at Pacific Immigrant Resources Society in Vancouver, she worked on a systems-change initiative focused on immigrant and refugee women in British Columbia, where she supported policy analysis, community engagement, and the development of equity-focused policy recommendations. She brings an analytical and community-informed perspective to policy reform and is fluent in French and Spanish. Find out 'Why Child Care Matters: Even if you Don't Have Children' by listening to the episode today!

Welcome to Season 5 Episode 5 of our BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast!  During this episode, we're joined by Sherlana Shroeder. Chetwynd is the colonial name for the place our guest Sherlana lives. There are many Indigenous peoples that have and continue to call this place home including Cree, Dane-Zaa, Saulteau and many Métis peoples. Chetwynd is on the Treaty 8 Territory, and this distinction between *treaty and *unceded land is necessary. Sherlana is of Cree and Métis descent from Saskatchewan, though her connection to community is deeply impacted by the colonial disruption of Indigenous families. As an adult, she has been actively reclaiming her heritage through connections with Elders, learning her ancestral language, and engaging with the work of Indigenous scholars. This journey of cultural reclamation fuels Sherlana’s passion and purpose in the field of Early Childhood Education. She is committed to fostering environments where children grow up knowing their stories, cultures, and identities—without needing to reclaim them later in life. Sherlana joined the Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC already rooted in advocacy, and with the support of a strong network of colleagues and board members, she continues to strengthen her voice in pursuit of meaningful, systemic change. Listen to this episode and become inspired to act by Sherlana's growing advocacy. *Treaty is a formal, legally-binding agreement between the Crown (representing Canada) and Indigenous Peoples, defining ongoing rights, responsibilities, and relationships, aiming to reconcile Indigenous sovereignty with Crown sovereignty through historic land-cession pacts, the numbered treaties, and modern land claims. These agreements, protected by the Constitution, establish lasting benefits like resource harvesting and self-government, forming the foundation for nation-to-nation relationships and impacting land, governance, and socio-economic issues. Visit this link to learn What are Treaty Rights? *Unceded land refers to Indigenous territory that was never formally surrendered, ceded, or transferred to the Crown or Canada through treaty or agreement. It signifies that First Nations retain rightful, ongoing, and, in some cases, legally recognized title to their traditional territories. Significant portions of Canada, including most of British Columbia, are considered unceded. Become a member of the Coalition of Child Care Advocates

Welcome to Season 5 Episode 4 of our BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast!  During this episode, we're joined by Rita Chudnovsky, as we explore $10aDay Child Care: Where We Are and Where We Are Going! For more than 30 years, has been right in the heart of BC’s child care advocacy movement and a femtor to many. She’s worked alongside the Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC and so many community partners across the province and the country. And if you ask her, she’ll tell you that it didn’t take long before the work—and the people—completely captured her heart.  Now retired, and a proud mom and grandmother, Rita hasn’t slowed down one bit. She continues to lend her wisdom and energy as a member of the CCCABC Board, helping to push the $10aDay vision forward. The progress the movement has made keeps her inspired and optimistic—and she often says with a smile, “This time, we’re going to win.”  What we CAN do to continue to hold Government accountable: ·                     Become a plan supporter Endorse the Plan - $10aDay Child Care ·                     Become a member of the Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC Listen now at BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast Season 5, Episode 4: Rita Chudnovsky or wherever you get your podcasts.

Welcome to Season 5 Episode 3 of our BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast!  During this episode we explore the BC Early Years Professional Development Bursary Program—what it is, why it matters, and how it’s shaping educators' learning across the province of British Columbia, in Canada. Our guests are two impactful leaders—Kathreen Riel, who manages the bursary fund, and Maryam Naddaf, Director of Frog Hollow’s Reggio-Inspired Learning Centre.   Kathreen is a Community Engagement Consultant, currently managing the Federal‑Provincial ECE Professional Development Bursary Project through Westcoast Family Centres, working to ensure educators have access to ongoing high-quality professional learning, often with financial barriers removed. Before that she was instrumental in the development of the Early Years Professional Development Web Portal with BCcampus, helping to coordinate and promote training opportunities across the province. Her work has been focused on building capacity, relationships, and equity in early childhood education. Maryam is Director of the Reggio‑Inspired Learning Centre at Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House in Vancouver, where she worked for over 10 years. Her work is rooted in the Reggio Emilia philosophy—facilitating workshops, communities of practice, designs curriculum with educators, children, and families, and leads study groups for educators across Metro Vancouver and beyond. Her passion lies in social justice, children’s rights, and creating reflective, inquiry-based learning environments, which led her to a B.A. in Community Rehabilitation Management and many years of working with infants, children, youth and adults with diverse abilities. If you are interested on attending a shorter version of the ELF series as Maryam talks about on this episode, register for ELF Off the Shelf, a dynamic series designed to bring the BC Early Learning Framework (BCELF) to life. Instead of just reading the ELF, participants will engage in active reflection, critical dialogue, and hands-on exercises to explore key concepts like the image of the child, educator roles, and pedagogical narration. Session Dates: In-person: March 7, 2026 (9:30 AM – 3:30 PM)Virtual: March 31, April 14, May 7 (6:30 PM – 8:00 PM)In-person & Frog Hollow Tour: May 29, 2026 (8:30 AM – 5:30 PM)Location (for in-person sessions): Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre, 2772 E. Broadway, Vancouver, BC., and at Frog Hollow's Learning Centre. Who Should Attend: ECEs, ECEAs, school-age care educators, elementary teachers, Strong Start facilitators, district principals, Supported Child Development staff, and all early learning professionals. Space is limited so register today here: https://www.wstcoast.org/workshops/elf-shelf-4810-8100 Questions? Email: [email protected] Funded through the Canada–BC Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. Listen now at BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast Season 5, Episode 3: Kathreen Riel and Maryam Naddaf or wherever you get your podcasts.

Welcome to Season 5, Episode 2!  During this episode we're excited to kick things off with a special guest who has dedicated much of her career to advocating for the rights and well-being of children and families, especially those from equity-seeking communities. We were honoured to spend time with Gabriela Cervantes, a public policy, and advocacy specialist with OXFAM Canadaand The Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC.  Tune in to learn: How inclusive child care policies advance gender equity.Why community-driven solutions matter in policymaking.Gabriela’s journey from Ecuador to shaping Canadian social policy.Look at the Where's Childcare? campaign.Help push for a Quality $10aDay Child Care Systemnow!Have a look at THROUGH THE LENS: A Photographic Exploration of Exclusion, Inclusion, and Belonging in the Child Care System  by PIRS.Gabriela is a public policy and advocacy specialist with over eight years of experience driving gender equity, child care, and social protection initiatives across Canada and globally. Originally from Ecuador, Gabriela immigrated to Canada at 18 and has since earned degrees from UBC and Maastricht University, shaping her career around justice-centered, evidence-based policymaking. Gabriela currently leads the Inclusive Child Care for All project at Oxfam Canada, influencing federal policy through research, movement-building, and advocacy. She also serves on the board of the Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC, championing universal child care as a cornerstone for gender equality and societal well-being. Her work bridges grassroots voices with systemic change, centering women, children, and equity-seeking communities in decision-making. Outside of her professional life, Gabriela enjoys crocheting, cycling, weightlifting, and exploring human-centered design.

Welcome to Season 5! We’re kicking things off with a powerful conversation featuring longtime advocate Sharon Gregson. Sharon, spokesperson for the $10aDay Campaign, returns to share exciting updates from the Coalition of Child Care Advocates and ECEBC as they relaunch their push for universal, affordable, high-quality child care in BC. Sharon Gregson is the provincial spokesperson for the successful $10aDay Child Care Campaign working with the Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC. She was twice elected as a Trustee to the Vancouver Board of Education. She represents British Columbia on the Board of the Child Care Advocacy Association of Canada (Child Care Now), and previously on the Child Care Human Resource Sector Council and Canadian Child Care Federation.  Sharon is a feminist with a demonstrated history of working across sectors with stakeholders, including non-traditional allies, in child care public policy. She is skilled in campaign strategy and campaigning, government and stakeholder relations, and in working with traditional and social media. She was nominated for a YWCA Women of Distinction award in 2018 for her work on the successful $10aDay Child Care Plan and for developing Indigenous cultural competency resources for the ECE sector. Business in Vancouver (BIV) named Sharon in the Power 50 in Vancouver in 2022 - and one of the top 500 most influential business leaders in British Columbia in 2022 and 2023. She received the King Charles Coronation Medal in 2025.   She is a past Director of the Early Years at a large unionized agency in East Vancouver managing human resources and child care operations, and she co-chaired the Vancouver Joint Childcare Council of public partners and non-governmental organizations. Sharon is also an ethical vegan and supporter of credit unions! We are grateful to have Sharon Gregson on our podcast once again, and we are delighted to her share more about her work within the childcare sector. Tune in to hear about the campaign’s renewed momentum and why this moment is so critical for children, families, and the future of child care in our province. NEW Legislation: Province to remove barriers, make way for more child care at schools To take action visit the 10aDay.ca site Click here to select a region to see your odds of getting a $10aDay space! Wage funding - BC’s 2024/2025 Operating Funding Model (OFM)

BC’s Path to Universal Child Care Episode S04E07 – Building on Momentum: Creating Scalable, Community-Led Child Care Spaces Recorded live at the ECEBC Conference – May 8, 2025 Guests: Bridgitte Alomes (Natural Pod), Rory Richards (NUQO Modular) Hosts: Nora, Crystal, and Gyda In this inspiring live episode, recorded at the ECEBC Conference in Richmond, we return for Part Two of our conversation with Bridgitte Alomes of Natural Pod and Rory Richards of NUQO Modular. Together, we explore how their powerful collaboration is addressing the urgent need for high-quality, sustainable, and community-rooted child care spaces—especially in underserved communities. Building on our first conversation, we dive into the real-world lessons, challenges, and momentum that have emerged as their work evolves. Topics covered include: New projects and partnerships since their initial collaboration Leadership and transformation in early learning Navigating timelines, funding, and government processes Designing with equity, sustainability, and Indigenous leadership at the core Scaling their model to meet the diverse needs of communities across BC and beyond What’s fueling their hope and determination as they look ahead Whether you're a policymaker, child care provider, designer, or advocate, this episode offers tangible insights into how bold, values-driven collaboration can shape the future of child care. 🔗 Resources & Links: Natural Pod naturalpod.com NUQO Modular nuqo.ca 🎧 Listen to Part One: S04E05 – Designing with Purpose: A New Vision for Early Learning Environments Don’t forget to follow the podcast and share it with colleagues who care about creating an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable child care system.

Tune in to Episode 6 in Season 4 of our BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast. Today we welcome you back to our podcast with our special guest: Sharon Gregson, the provincial spokesperson for the $10aDay Child Care Campaign, working with the Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC. In this episode, we discuss the current state of childcare in BC, highlighting that only 10% of childcare programs are officially $10-a-day programs, leaving 74% of children without access to licensed childcare.  We encourage you to visit their websites to explore the many resources available, and urge you to get involved by becoming a member of the Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC. Whether you’re a parent, an educator, or an advocate, there are ways to get involved —whether by signing petitions, joining community actions, or simply staying informed about the latest developments in child care policy. Child care is not just a personal issue; it’s a societal one. A well-funded, high-quality, and accessible child care system benefits everyone —helping families thrive, supporting early childhood educators, and strengthening our communities and economy. The progress we’ve seen in recent years has been the result of decades of advocacy, and it’s clear there is still more work to do.  Sharon Gregson is the provincial spokesperson for the successful $10aDay Child Care Campaign working with the Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC. She was twice elected as a Trustee to the Vancouver Board of Education. She represents British Columbia on the Board of the Child Care Advocacy Association of Canada (Child Care Now), and previously on the Child Care Human Resource Sector Council and Canadian Child Care Federation.  Sharon is a feminist with a demonstrated history of working across sectors with stakeholders, including non-traditional allies, in child care public policy. She is skilled in campaign strategy and campaigning, government and stakeholder relations, and in working with traditional and social media. She was nominated for a YWCA Women of Distinction award in 2018 for her work on the successful $10aDay Child Care Plan and for developing Indigenous cultural competency resources for the ECE sector. Business in Vancouver (BIV) named Sharon in the Power 50 in Vancouver in 2022 - and one of the top 500 most influential business leaders in British Columbia in 2022 and 2023. She received the King Charles Coronation Medal in 2025. She is a past Director of the Early Years at a large unionized agency in East Vancouver managing human resources and child care operations, and she co-chaired the Vancouver Joint Childcare Council of public partners and non-governmental organizations. Sharon is also an ethical vegan and supporter of credit unions! We are grateful to have Sharon Gregson on our podcast once again, and we are delighted to her share more about her work within the childcare sector.

Tune in to Episode 5 in Season 4 of our BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast. Today we welcome you back to our podcast with our special guests: Bridgette Alomes, the CEO and founder of Natural Pod, and Rory Richards, the President & CEO of NUQO. In this episode we dive into the latest innovations shaping early childhood education and child care. Gyda guides this conversation with two incredible women entrepreneurs —Bridgitte Alomes, founder and CEO of Natural Pod, and Rory Richards, founder and CEO of NUQO. These two B Corp-certified companies are partnering to tackle one of the biggest challenges in child care today—access to high-quality learning environments. With demand for child care spaces surging and over half of families in B.C. struggling to find care, their collaboration couldn’t come at a better time. NUQO brings expertise in modular, culturally grounded construction, while Natural Pod specializes in sustainable, non-toxic, and durable school furniture. Together, they’re streamlining the process—from funding applications to fully furnished classrooms—ensuring that communities, especially those underserved, get the support they need. Bridgitte Alomes is the CEO and founder of values-based learning solutions company Natural Pod, a local BC business. Natural Pod strives to enhance the well-being of students by addressing the needs of learners and educators from early childhood into elementary and beyond in educational environments. Bridgitte is a thought leader in the design of learning spaces that encourage the development of agency, foster collaboration and promote open-ended play and has given talks around North America on sustainable furniture including a TED Talk on space and intention. Her focus is on the creation of inspiring spaces for learners and educators regardless of location, pedagogy or demographic.  Rory Richards is the President & CEO of NUQO Modular, a female-led, proudly Indigenous construction company recognized for its sustainable and culturally grounded approach to modular building. Rory's dedication to affordable, culturally appropriate Indigenous design and her unwavering community-first approach, exemplify the spirit of true leadership. Rory remains a dedicated advocate and a passionate voice for a number of important issues, including Indigenous housing and affordable childcare. Committed to community empowerment, NUQO partners with top architects and partners to deliver high-quality, environmentally responsible, and culturally significant child care and other building solutions. We are grateful to have Bridgitte Alomes and Rory Richards on our podcast, and we are delighted to them share more about their work with the early childhood education and child care sector.

Tune in to Episode 4 in Season 4 of our BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast. Today we welcome you back to our podcast with our special guest: Viveca Ellis, the Executive Director of The Centre For Family Equity. Viveca is a founding member of the organization; in 2014, she banded together with other lone mothers impacted by poverty and lack of access to legal aid, housing, and child care, to mobilize grassroots leaders and advocate for public policy solutions to lone-parent family poverty in BC. The Centre for Family Equity is a membership-based organization of low-income parents and caregivers across BC. Through research, advocacy, and legal action, they work to address family poverty with a focus on affordability, livable incomes, labour market access, and resilience. Their initiatives, including the Parental Mental Health Initiative, directly support parents impacted by gender-based violence. In past roles, Viveca has worked for the BC Poverty Reduction Coalition as the founder and coordinator of the BCPRC's Community Action Network, then led the Coalition through the pandemic as Interim Community Organizer until her departure to create the first staff role at what was then the Single Mothers’ Alliance in 2021. In 2017, Viveca was nominated to the Minister's Advisory Forum on Poverty Reduction to design BC's first poverty reduction strategy and resulting legislation.  In her spare time, Viveca can be found trying to keep up mountain biking with her 15-year-old son and paddling her canoe on BC's remote lakes and rivers.  We are grateful to have Viveca Ellis on our podcast, and we are delighted to have her share more about her work for the community. Listen now at BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast Season 4, Episode 4: Viveca Ellis or wherever you get your podcasts.