BC’s Path to Universal Child Care

Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre
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A podcast featuring interviews with child care advocates, government officials, policy makers, educators, parents and child care organisations in BC, exploring the move toward a universal child care system.

  1. 1d ago

    Season 6, Episode 2 - In Memory of Dianne Liscumb - A Revisited Conversation

    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.

    Season 6, Episode 2 - In Memory of Dianne Liscumb - A Revisited Conversation

  2. Aug 25

    Season 6, Episode 1 - Eric Swanson - Urban Planning & Policy in the Child Care Sector

    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.

    Season 6, Episode 1 - Eric Swanson - Urban Planning & Policy in the Child Care Sector

  3. Aug 7

    Season 5, Episode 9 - Honouring Stephanie Smith - BC General Employees Union: Advocating for Early Years Professionals

    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.

    Season 5, Episode 9 - Honouring Stephanie Smith - BC General Employees Union: Advocating for Early Years Professionals

  4. May 28

    Season 5, Episode 8: Summer Break - See You In September!

    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.

    Season 5, Episode 8: Summer Break - See You In September!

  5. Apr 29

    Season 5, Episode 7: Nicky Byres - Organizational Leadership in Childcare

    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.

    Season 5, Episode 7: Nicky Byres - Organizational Leadership in Childcare

  6. Apr 1

    Season 5, Episode 6: Safiya Ayuen - Why Child Care Matters: Even If You Don't Have Children

    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!

    Season 5, Episode 6: Safiya Ayuen - Why Child Care Matters: Even If You Don't Have Children

  7. Mar 17

    Season 5, Episode 5: Sherlana Shroeder: Childcare Advocacy & A Journey of Cultural Reclamation

    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

    Season 5, Episode 5: Sherlana Shroeder: Childcare Advocacy & A Journey of Cultural Reclamation

  8. Feb 25

    Season 5, Episode 4: Rita Chudnovsky - $10aDay Child Care: Where We Are and Where We Are Going!

    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.

    Season 5, Episode 4: Rita Chudnovsky - $10aDay Child Care: Where We Are and Where We Are Going!
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About

A podcast featuring interviews with child care advocates, government officials, policy makers, educators, parents and child care organisations in BC, exploring the move toward a universal child care system.

Information

  • Creator
    Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 BC’s Path to Universal Child Care
  • Show Website
    BC’s Path to Universal Child Care