Westcoast Wave Newsletter - March 2026
Welcome to the March 2026 Newsletter!
Thank you for taking a moment to join us. As we come together this month, we do so with care and compassion for one another. The recent tragedy in Tumbler Ridge has weighed heavily on communities across British Columbia, and our hearts are with everyone who has been affected. During times like this, the strength of our connections—and the support we offer one another—matters more than ever.
In this edition, we’re sharing resources, learning opportunities, and community updates to help families, educators, and caregivers continue fostering safe, nurturing spaces for children. Whether you are seeking guidance, wishing to expand your skills, or staying connected to the broader community of care surrounding children and families, we hope you find this newsletter both grounding and supportive.
Thank you for everything you do, each and every day, to uplift children, families, and your communities.
Support and resources for families following the tragedy in Tumbler Ridge
The tragic events in Tumbler Ridge this week have deeply affected communities across British Columbia. While the loss is felt most profoundly in Tumbler Ridge, the impact of this violence is being carried by people throughout the province. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and everyone who has been touched by this heartbreaking incident.
As child care operators, and educators, you play a vital role in helping children feel safe, grounded, and supported - especially when adults around them may be processing difficult news. Even if children are not directly aware of what has happened, they may sense stress within their families or communities. Maintaining routines, offering reassurance, and creating calm, nurturing environments continue to be essential.
Learn more at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/caring-for-young-children/communications-engagement/childcare-bc-bulletin
Warmly,
Crystal Janes, Senior Director
BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast
Listen now to last month's episode of BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast Season 5, Episode 4: Rita Chudnovsky - $10aDay Child Care: Where We Are and Where We Are Going!
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.
Listen now at BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast Season 5, Episode 4: Rita Chudnovsky or wherever you get your podcasts.
Westcoast Training
Looking for a way to stay engaged in your early years career and expand your skills? Check out the professional development courses happening at Westcoast.
Our courses and workshops support the implementation of the BC Early Learning Framework, Schedule G of the BC Child Care Licensing Regulation and the Early Childhood Educators of BC Code of Ethics.
Create a free WCCRC account to register for our courses, workshops, access certificates, and view your transaction receipts.
To view previous and upcoming workshops, visit our calendar page.
Before registering, make sure to check out our Workshop FAQ's, Policies and Online Workshop Basics.
We would like to highlight two new workshops coming up in March:
I Said No, Now What? Mastering the Art of Follow-Through
- Children don’t test limits to be defiant—they test limits to understand safety, relationships, and how adults respond when things feel uncertain. This workshop offers educators a calm, practical framework for holding boundaries in a way that protects a child’s sense of well-being and belonging. Together, we’ll explore how predictable follow-through supports emotional regulation, reduces power struggles, and strengthens the educator–child relationship.
- Facilitator: Monica Chan
Introduction to Neurodiversity and Autism
- Neurodiversity in our classrooms creates a strong community of children who bring unique strengths and perspectives. It is important to continue to shift our practice to better support and embrace all children's profiles. In this session, participants will learn about neurodiversity and begin to structure their understanding of profiles of children that will help them in pairing strategies and supports in the other 3 parts of this series.
- Facilitator: Kelsey Penney
Westcoast Family Centres offers engaging workshops and groups that provide resources for parents and families in the Lower Mainland. Our programs range from parent education to parent support groups to activity programs for children. Our evidence-based programs and workshops are focused on strengthening your connection with your child and family, and foster connections with other families in your community.
Learn more about our upcoming groups offered this Spring on our events calendar, from Empowering Mom's Group in Farsi, Successful Co-Parenting, and other drop-in programs such as Baby & Me, Power of Play, Little Explorers and more!
WELL NEWS
Decoda Literacy Solutions supports literacy for children, youth, and adults, with the goal of helping everyone in British Columbia to thrive. Amongst their services include literacy outreach, wherein outreach coordinators work with representatives from community organizations to identify needs and create plans. With their Fostering Literacy program, they aim to provide training for parents and caregivers, arming them with strategies to support children’s learning.
For Parents & Guardians
Why is Outdoor Play Important?
Outdoor play is different from indoor play as it tends to involve children feeling more freedom, being more physically active, moving their bodies in different ways, and playing differently than they would inside.
The outdoors can offer more variety of play environments and loose parts (e.g., sticks, rocks, buckets, sand, crates) to move around, allowing their imagination to shape their play. Children need daily outdoor play opportunities for their development, physical health, and well-being.
Who This Tool Is For
This Parent Tool is to help parents and caregivers encourage children’s outdoor play and risk-taking. You can explore the tool on your own time and at your own pace, as an online, interactive and personalized journey.
Community Partner News
Child Health BC and Perinatal Services BC
Child Health BC and Perinatal Services BC are working with partners across BC to create a new, voluntary family visiting program available to families during pregnancy until their child enters school. In the program a provider works with each family to build on their strengths, support their child’s health and development, and connect parents/caregivers to helpful health and community resources for their family goals.
We are inviting families to share ideas to help us create a name for the program that feels welcoming, supportive, trustworthy, and inclusive.
Target Audience: Pregnant individuals and parents and caregivers of a child/children aged 0 to school entry
Complete the survey at this link: https://surveys.vch.ca/F2065D9C-E096-4DDE-8529-2B0279446F52
The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and must be completed in one sitting.
Survey will be open until end of day February 27.
We look forward to hearing your ideas!
Government News
British Columbia has unveiled a revamped funding system for children and youth with disabilities, including those with autism.
An estimated 33,000 children in lower- and middle-income households will be eligible for an income-tested supplement, with the funding cutting off when a one-child family has after-tax income of about $200,000.
The supplement will provide a maximum of $6,000 per year, per child, paid monthly, with the amount decreasing as household income increases.