The City of Terrace offers several licensed programs for children of school age and younger.
Licensed programs include preschool, summer camps, camps for non-school days such as Spring Break and non-instructional days, and activities for preschool-aged children.
The City also runs a licensed before and after school childcare, with spots for 30 school-aged children. The program operates in the Terrace Sportsplex multipurpose room, and includes transportation for your child to and from school.
Contact the Program Supervisor with any questions: schoolageprogram@terrace.ca
Calling Little Explorers (ages 2.5 to 5 years old) to join us at our newly licensed preschool at the Terrace Sportsplex! At Little Explorers Preschool, we will be playing games, exploring science activities, doing arts and crafts, baking, circle time and playing outside.
We are offering: 3 days/week preschool - Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays - $175/month
Hours: 9am to 12noon
Location: Terrace Sportsplex
Bring: snack, change of clothes, inside shoes and appropriate outdoor gear.
Registration
To register or for more information call the Sportsplex: 250-615-3000 or register online at: Little Explorers Preschool Registration
For more info about registering through activenet, go to our Program Registration page.
Fully Licensed
The City of Terrace preschool is fully licensed, which means it is facilitated by a fully qualified Early Childhood Educator. The program is also governed by the BC Government's Child Care Licensing Regulations. It also means families can apply for the Affordable Child Care Benefit and if they qualify, some of their fees be covered.
Licensed Before and After School Childcare
Spots are still available in the City of Terrace's before- and after-school care for school-aged children. The program, which can care for a maximum of 30 children, operates in the Terrace Sportsplex multipurpose room, and includes transportation to and from school.
Apply Now!
If you would like your child(ren) to participate in this program, please complete an application. A completed application allows staff to review if we have the space for your child and the ability, given the other children and schools in the program, to transport your child to and from their school using our new 15-person van.
Ways to Apply
- Complete an online application form (Easiest and fastest to process)
- Download a fillable PDF application form
- Download and fill out a Word Document application form.
- Email schoolageprogram@terrace.ca to request a form
- Pick up a paper application form at the Sportsplex during business hours
Note you must fill out one application form per child.
How to submit your application
- Email completed application forms to schoolageprogram@terrace.ca
- Drop off completed application forms at the Sportsplex
Once application is submitted
- We review applications and based on program demand and capacity allow, we contact families with offers for children to join the program.
- The process to register/enroll child(ren) in the program will be discussed with parents/guardians when they are contacted by the program staff.
- Once a child is registered, program staff invite families to visit the Childcare program space at the Sportsplex. The visit introduces and welcome families and the child to the program.
- Steps for the child's first day are discussed during this visit and we provide the families with a Parent Handbook.
Questions?
Contact the Program Supervisor: schoolageprogram@terrace.ca
Background
In 2023, through funding provided by the B.C. Ministry of Children and Family Development, the Union of British Columbia Municipalities awarded the City of Terrace a Community Child Care Planning Grant. The grant allowed the City to engage in child care planning activities and develop a community child care space creation action plan.
The 2020 study found that accessible and affordable child care is a priority for Terrace residents and a vital component of attracting young families and meeting the growing service needs of city and regional residents. The assessment identified a local need for more licensed spaces for all license types, except for Pre-school (2.5 years to school age) spaces.
The City of Terrace then secured almost $400,000 in government funding for new child care spaces through the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund. This fund is supported by the 2021-2022 to 2025-2026 Canada-British Columbia Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.
With this funding, the City of Terrace created 30 spaces for licensed before- and after-school care for school-aged children. The program started in the Fall of 2023 and operates in the Terrace Sportsplex multipurpose room.
NID & School Break Camps
Licensed full-day child care and activities for children from Kindergarten to 12 years is available for non-instructional (NID) days and school closure days - for example, during Christmas break, Spring break and summer holidays.
Register for April 26 NID here
Stay Tuned for 2026 Summer Days Programming!