Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) has announced $112,000 in funding to support childcare facilities around the region.
According to a press release issued Monday, Dec. 16, this funding will go towards improving 622 existing childcare spaces and creating 79 new ones.
"Healthy childhood development depends on access to safe, quality child care,” said Ulli Mueller, CBT's senior manager, Delivery of Benefits. “These upgrades and equipment help licensed providers create environments where children can thrive. Adding new spaces also gives parents peace of mind, knowing their children are well cared for while they pursue work or other opportunities.”
In Kimberley, three separate childcare spaces will receive some of this funding. Buddies on 7th has eight spaces and is receiving $5,380 to add a shade tent, stroller, mud kitchen, garden boxes and much more.
The Kimberley Independent School, which has 85 spaces, is receiving $7,000 for new indoor and outdoor play equipment and two portable air conditioners.
Small Batch Family Care in Kimberley has 14 spaces and is also receiving $7,000 to purchase a new washer and dryer, an air purifer, humidifer, outdoor and indoor play equipment and more.
Creston's Berry Patch Daycare, owned by Megan Berry, has doubled its capacity in one year's time. This funding from CBT has allowed them to purchase new equipment, furniture and supplies that were needed to licence a second room, increasing their capacity from 16 to 32 children.
“It is essential for the Creston community to have these additional 16 spots, as they create a safe, trusting environment for families and provide children with a fun and educational space to learn and grow," Berry said. “Many families have expressed how these extra spaces have given them peace of mind and made the daycare feel like a second home for their children. The equipment purchases were critical to providing a safe, reliable and high-quality program.”
Golden Child Daycare, located in Golden, B.C., has been able to increase their capacity by eight spaces, up to a total of 40, made possible due to the purchase of a new fire alarm system that helped them meet new building code requirements.
“This will significantly improve safety for all children in our care by ensuring immediate connection to the fire department in case of an emergency,” said Pamela Tetrault, owner and manager. “Also, there is a definite need for more child care spaces in Golden, and these new spots will help more parents return to work.”
The Wild Rose Child Care centre in Castlegar has been able to add eight new spaces after this funding helped them acquire equipment they needed to get started.
“We’re dedicated to offering exceptional care for children who might not otherwise have access to child care, given the current shortage of spots in the region,” said Melanie Fontaine, owner and director. “Our goal is to create an inviting, nurturing environment where children are excited to play, learn and grow, while giving their parents the opportunity to contribute to the workforce and support their families.”
CBT has helped in the creation of over 1,400 new childcare spaces and improve 3,580 existing ones since 2017. To learn more about how CBT supports childcare in the region, visit ourtrust.org/childcare