Before and After School Care (BASC) – Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools

Before and After School Care (BASC)

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Overview of the Before and Afterschool Care (BASC) program

The NLPS Before and After School Care (BASC) program provides licensed, school-based childcare for families before and after the school day. Our programs are designed to offer a safe, engaging, and welcoming environment where children can relax, connect, and explore their interests outside of instructional time.

BASC programs operate within Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools and are licensed under Community Care and Assisted Living Act requirements. Being school-based allows for strong relationships with school staff and familiar environments for children, while families benefit from consistent care aligned with the school calendar.

Our programs serve children from Kindergarten through Grade 7 and focus on play-based experiences that support social development, creativity, independence, and well-being. Daily programming includes a balance of free play, outdoor activity, quiet spaces, and planned experiences that respond to children’s interests.

We are committed to respectful care and to building positive relationships with children and families. Our educators create environments where children feel supported, valued, and confident as they move through their day.

NLPS Before and After Childcare programs: 

Before and After School care is also available from private childcare operators. These programs are not run by Nanaimo Ladysmith Schools however, some operate on school sites or do pick up from certain schools.

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BASC programs vary by school location, with most sites offering both Before School Care and After School Care. Some locations may offer only one program (for example, Gabriola currently offers After School Care only). Specific offerings are confirmed during registration and may change based on enrollment and staffing.

Before School Care

Before School Care provides a calm, supportive start to the day. Children arrive at the program and are welcomed into a familiar environment where they can ease into their morning. Activities typically include quiet play, reading, drawing, games, and opportunities for social connection. Educators support children in getting ready for the school day and ensure a smooth transition to their classrooms when school begins.

After School Care

After School Care offers children a chance to unwind after their school day in a relaxed, play-based setting. Programming includes a balance of outdoor play, free choice activities, quiet spaces, and planned experiences based on children’s interests. Educators focus on creating a welcoming environment where children can recharge, connect with peers, and enjoy their time until pickup.

Break Programs (Full-Day Care)

BASC also offers full-day care during Spring Break and Summer Break. These programs provide engaging, play-based full-day experiences designed to support families during extended school closures. We currently do not offer Winter or Pro D Day Care. 

Break program spaces are limited and not guaranteed. While all BASC families are welcome to apply, placement depends on available space, staffing, and licensing capacity. Break care programs are typically offered at centralized locations, rather than at every BASC site.

Spring Break Care 2026

  • Full-day care
  • Centralized at Rutherford Elementary

Summer Break Care 2026

  • Full-day care
  • Centralized at Rutherford Elementary and Quarterway Elementary

Families will be notified of application timelines, locations, and fees closer to each break period.

Registration will open on February 6 through an online registration link shared with families.

Spaces are allocated using a priority and lottery-based process, with a strong preference for five-day-per-week enrollment. At this time, the majority of available spaces are expected to be five days per week only.

Placement will occur in the following order:

  1. School district staff requiring five days per week of care
  2. Other families requesting five days per week of care, selected through a lottery

Families requesting fewer than five days per week may be placed on a waitlist, as limited part-time spaces may be available depending on site capacity.

Waitlist Information

  • Families not offered a space will automatically be placed on the waitlist.
  • If a confirmed space is declined or cancelled, spaces will be re-awarded using the lottery.

For the current school year:
To be added to a waitlist, please email childcare@sd68.bc.ca with:

  • Your child’s name
  • Your name
  • The school you wish to be waitlisted for

Registration Platform (Esikidz)

Families offered a space must complete all required documents and add Pre-Authorized Debit (PAD) information in Esikidz.
Incomplete accounts by February 24 will result in the space being cancelled and redrawn via lottery.

What Happens After Registration

  • Families offered a space have seven (7) days to complete all required steps in Esikidz.
  • Once Esikids form is completed you will be charged a $50 non refundable admin fee to hold the space until you begin the program. 

Additional program details, including hours, policies, and fees, will be outlined in the Parent Handbook shared on February 2.

Family Handbook 2026-2027 DRAFT

View our NLPS Before and After Childcare programs

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General Program Inquiries

For general questions about Before and After School Care (BASC), including registration, policies, and waitlists, please contact:


Email: childcare@sd68.bc.ca
Phone: 250-268-7189

Registration Questions

Questions related to registration, waitlists, Esikidz accounts, or fees should be directed to the Childcare Office using the contact information above.

Important Deadlines

All of our programs are currently full and operating with a waitlist to be added to the waitlist please email your name, your child’s name, your child’s birthdate and your requested school to childcare@sd68.bc.ca to be added to a waitlist.

Site-Specific Questions

For day-to-day program questions (attendance, schedules, or your child’s experience), families will be directed to contact their site-based BASC team once programs are underway.