The B.C. government announced today that 12 new child care spaces are being created in Campbell River.
The spaces in the Island Life Early Learning Centre will be provided through Childcare BC’s New Spaces Fund and located within the Salvation Army Ocean Crest Community Church on McLean Street.
The centre offers a number of services for families, including support for those who are new to Canada and Indigenous language programming. The facility also plans to host monthly guest speaker nights where parents can learn more about child development, nutrition and health.
“Our goal is to create a centre that provides a multicultural, socially stimulating and community-minded environment that puts children on the path to self-development and success,” said Jennifer Cross, owner and operator of the Island Life Early Learning Centre. “This provincial funding means we can renovate our space to help more kids grow, learn and thrive in an environment that nurtures all aspects of their development.”
Since the fund was launched in 2018, more than 75 new, affordable licensed child care spaces have come to Campbell River, the government says. This brings the total spaces funded in Campbell River in the past two years to more than 170.
“Children in Campbell River deserve the best possible start in life and that means the opportunity to develop their critical thinking, communication and social skills in a safe environment,” said Claire Trevena, MLA for North Island. “The investments our government is making in child care mean parents are facing fewer financial pressures and have more peace of mind when they drop their kids off in the morning.”
The announcement comes a day after 260 new spots were designated to the Capital Region.
Ben Nesbit
