Pacific Immigrant Resources Society

The Building a Childcare System that Works 2.0 (BCS 2.0) report was developed through conversations, collaboration, and the lived experiences of immigrant and refugee women, alongside childcare leaders, community organizations, educators, employers, and sector partners.

Together, they identified barriers that continue to affect access to Early Childhood Education (ECE) training and career opportunities. And more importantly, practical solutions to help address them.

This report is more than research. It reflects a shared
commitment to creating stronger pathways into the childcare workforce and building a more inclusive system for women, children, families, and communities.

What's one change you believe would make it easier for immigrant and refugee women to access careers in childcare? We'd love to hear your perspective.

To learn more about the findings and recommendations, explore the full report through the link in the first comment.

Creating truly inclusive events starts with removing barriers to participation.

Access to child care should never prevent parents and caregivers from attending a conference, training session, workshop, or community event.

PIRS' Pop-Up Child Care service helps organizations create more accessible and inclusive spaces by providing professional, culturally responsive on-site childminding. While participants fully engage in learning, networking, and collaboration, children are cared for in a safe and nurturing environment.

By partnering with PIRS' Pop-Up Child Care, your organization not only supports greater participation, you also contribute to meaningful employment opportunities while helping build more inclusive and connected communities.

Planning an event? Let's work together to make participation possible for everyone.

Book our services or learn more here: https://pirs.bc.ca/pop-up-child-care/

Starting over in a new country often means rebuilding not just a life, but a sense of self.

Marialejandra’s journey reflects the quiet strength behind that process—navigating uncertainty, redefining her professional path, and holding onto hope through transition and change.

What began as a search for stability led her to PIRS’ Building Bridges program, where she found connection, support, and a community that helped her feel grounded again.

Through that space, she didn’t just rebuild—she grew. From participant to facilitator, her journey came full circle as she now supports other women walking similar paths.

Her story is a reminder that belonging is built through community, and transformation often begins with being seen, supported, and believed in.

Volunteer Opportunity: Join the PIRS Fund Development Committee

PIRS is looking for passionate and connected volunteers to join our newly established Fund Development Committee.

This committee will help strengthen PIRS’ fundraising efforts, build community relationships, and support the growth of sustainable funding that allows us to continue empowering immigrant and refugee women and their families.

We’re inviting current volunteers and past Board members who are interested in making a strategic impact beyond direct service. This opportunity may be a great fit if you have experience or interest in fundraising, donor engagement, event planning, marketing, community partnerships, networking, or business development.

Committee members will work alongside Board members, PIRS staff, and fellow volunteers in a collaborative and action-oriented environment.

Commitment: Approximately one meeting per month, with optional opportunities to support fundraising activities between meetings.

Interested in learning more?
Please contact [email protected] by August 20, 2026.

Amplifying Voices. Advancing Change.

Every stronger childcare system begins by listening.

Across British Columbia, immigrant and refugee women bring valuable skills, lived experience, and leadership to the childcare sector. Yet many continue to face barriers that limit access to training, professional opportunities, and career pathways.

At Pacific Immigrant Resources Society, we believe that the people most affected by these challenges should also help shape the solutions.
Over the coming months, we'll be sharing the stories, insights, and collaborative work behind the Child Care Leadership Group as part of the Building a Childcare System that Works 2.0 (BCS 2.0) initiative, highlighting the voices, partnerships, and community-led recommendations helping strengthen BC's childcare system.

Because when lived experience informs decisions, stronger systems become possible.

📖 Read the report:https://pirs.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/PIRS-Building_A_Childcare_System_That_Works_2.0.pdf

Are you looking for a meaningful career in childcare?

Our Pathways to Childcare Careers Program is designed to help newcomer women take the next step toward employment in BC's growing childcare sector.

Over 10 weeks, participants receive:
✔ Responsible Adult Certification
✔ First Aid & FoodSafe Certification
✔ 200 hours of Occupational English training
✔ 80 hours of hands-on childcare work experience

Best of all—it's completely free.

Whether you're restarting your career, entering the workforce for the first time in Canada, or looking for a new direction, this program will equip you with the skills, confidence, and experience to get started.
📅 September 9 –November 6 2026
👩🏻‍🏫 Full time program, 4 days a week
📍 Hybrid (Online + In-Person)

Registration is now open!

Sign up today: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeWlk6NjweSB1WCZXkw6_sja9K5M22peFN2fDuXePu651lBrA/viewform

Eligibility: Permanent Residents or Protected Persons with CLB 5 (or equivalent) in English.

We gratefully acknowledge the support of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for helping make this program possible.

Help shape the future—one family at a time. 💛
Are you passionate about supporting newcomer families and helping young children thrive?

Pacific Immigrant Resources Society (PIRS) is hiring for two rewarding opportunities with our HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) program:
📌 HIPPY Program Coordinator
📌 HIPPY Home Visitor

As part of the PIRS team, you'll help empower parents as their child's first teacher while strengthening school readiness, family well-being, and community connections.

Whether you're an experienced program leader or enjoy working directly with families, you'll be joining a team committed to creating welcoming, inclusive communities where immigrant and refugee women and their children can thrive.

If you're compassionate, collaborative, and ready to make a meaningful difference, we'd love to hear from you.

🔗 Apply here: https://pacificimmigrantresourcessocie.easyapply.co/

✨ Join our team and help build brighter futures for children and families.

📅 July at PIRS Outreach
Every month brings new opportunities to learn, connect, and grow together.

This July, our Outreach Program is offering health workshops, community gatherings, and a nature field trip designed to support refugee claimant women and their children as they build confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging in Canada.

Whether you're looking to access information, meet other women in your community, or simply spend time in a welcoming space, we're here to support you.

Swipe through to see what's happening this month, and get in touch if you'd like to join us.

For more information view our Outreach Calendar:
https://pirs.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Summer-July-Aug-2026-Outreach-Calendar.pdf

Or contact us:
📧 [email protected]
🌐 pirs.bc.ca/safe-haven-program

There are moments that remind us why this work matters. This one was one of them.

It was a privilege to celebrate the 21 graduates of our 2026 Building Bridges cohort and witness an afternoon filled with inspiring presentations, meaningful conversations, and well-deserved pride. The Graduation Conference, planned and led entirely by the participants, showcased not only what they learned over the past 20 weeks, but also the confidence, leadership, and connections they built along the way.

One of PIRS' longest-standing leadership initiatives, Building Bridges supports immigrant and refugee women as they strengthen their professional skills, expand their networks, and build the confidence to pursue their career and entrepreneurial goals in Canada.

Most importantly, it creates a supportive space where women can build on the strengths and experience they already bring. As PIRS celebrates 50 years of empowering immigrant and refugee women, moments like these remind us of the lasting impact that connection, and opportunity can have, not only for individuals, but for entire communities.

To our graduates, thank you for sharing your stories, supporting one another, and inspiring us every step of the way. We are incredibly proud of all you have accomplished and look forward to seeing the impact you will continue to make in your communities.

A special thank you to our guest speakers for sharing your time, knowledge, and expertise in support of our participants' growth and success.

Congratulations, Building Bridges Class of 2026!

✨ Meet the heart behind Pop-Up Child Care.

What began as an essential part of PIRS programming grew into a social enterprise in 2019, supporting community partners across Metro Vancouver and Abbotsford. But the true success of Pop-Up Child Care isn't measured by the number of events we've supported—it's measured by the people who make it possible.

Our childminders come from diverse countries, cultures, and backgrounds, and each began their own journey in Canada as an immigrant. Together, they have built a team defined by resilience, professionalism, kindness, and a genuine passion for supporting children and families.

Every activity planned, every story read, every game played, and every comforting smile helps create a space where children feel safe, welcomed, and cared for—while parents can participate fully in programs, workshops, and community events.

To our incredible team: thank you for showing up with such care, patience, creativity, and heart. Pop-Up Child Care is what it is because of you.