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Blog
Surrey, a bustling city in British Columbia, Canada, has witnessed a remarkable transformation in childcare services over the past century. From informal neighbourhood arrangements to the sophisticated, regulated system we see today, the evolution of child care in Surrey reflects broader societal changes in family structures, women’s roles, and the recognition of early childhood education’s importance.
Early 20th Century: Family-Centered Care
In the early 20th century, child care in Surrey was essentially a family affair. Extended families often lived together or nearby, allowing grandparents, aunts, and older siblings to share child-rearing responsibilities. This informal system worked well in a primarily agricultural community where many women worked on family farms or home-based businesses. However, as Surrey began to urbanize in the 1920s and 1930s, more women entered the workforce outside the home, creating a need for alternative care arrangements.
World War II: The Birth of Formal Child Care
The first formal childcare services in Surrey emerged during World War II. The need for organized child care became acute, with men away at war and women filling essential jobs in factories and offices. In response, the federal government provided funding for day nurseries through the Wartime Day Nurseries Agreement. Surrey’s first official day nursery opened in 1943, catering primarily to the children of “war workers.” This marked a significant shift, acknowledging child care as a societal responsibility rather than just a family matter.
Post-War Boom: The Rise of Private Nurseries
Post-war, many expected women to return to their traditional roles at home. However, the 1950s and 1960s economic boom saw more women choosing to remain in the workforce. This, coupled with Surrey’s rapid population growth as it transformed from a rural community to a suburban hub, led to a surge in demand for child care. Private nurseries and kindergartens increased, but they were often unregulated and varied greatly in quality.
1970s: The Era of Early Childhood Education
The 1970s brought a new focus on early childhood education. Influenced by developmental psychologists like Jean Piaget and Erik Erikson, educators and policymakers began to view child care not just as supervision but as an opportunity for early learning. 1977, Surrey opened its first publicly funded preschool program, emphasizing cognitive development, socialization, and kindergarten readiness.
1980s-1990s: Professionalization and Advocacy
The 1980s and 1990s saw further professionalization of child care in Surrey. The provincial government introduced licensing requirements, ensuring all facilities met essential health, safety, and educational standards. This period also saw the rise of advocacy groups like the Surrey Child Care Society (founded in 1989), which lobbied for increased funding, better wages for childcare workers, and inclusive services for children with diverse needs.
21st Century: Diversity and Growth Challenges
As Surrey entered the 21st century, it faced new challenges. The city’s population exploded, becoming one of the fastest-growing in Canada, with a significant immigrant population. This diversity brought demands for culturally sensitive care and support for children learning English. In response, many centers began offering multilingual programs and incorporating global perspectives into their curricula.
Looking Ahead: Child Care as a Reflection of Society
Looking back, the evolution of child care services in Surrey mirrors broader societal shifts: from informal family care to wartime necessity, private enterprise to public responsibility, and essential supervision to educational opportunity. As Surrey continues to grow and diversify, its childcare services will undoubtedly keep evolving, striving to meet the needs of all its youngest citizens.