BC Gov't expands childcare spaces in Kamloops and Chase

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116 new childcare spaces added to Kamloops, Chase

The Government of British Columbia has announced 120 new licensed child care spaces in Kamloops and Chase as part of its promise to increase childcare throughout the province.

In a news release, Katrine Conroy, Minister of Children and Family Development said, “these new spaces will not only support local economies but also make life better for parents and offer their children a safe space to learn and grow.”

The new space will be located inside Gateway City Church in Kamloops. Gateway Children's Centre is expected to open in spring 2021 and will add 25 infant/toddler spaces, 30 spaces for children aged three to kindergarten and 20 preschool spaces to the region.

It will include a new 186 square-metre (2,000 square-foot) outdoor play area will include accessible climbers, slides, ladders, hoppers and bumpers.

Children will have the opportunity to go on field trips to the Mustard Seed Food Bank, fire hall, library, Big Little Science Centre, local museums and art galleries.

“This has been something that has been dreamt and talked about for a long time and it is exciting to see it come to fruition. Our hope is to be able to meet a great need of children and families within the Kamloops community," said Pastor Matt Schultz of Gateway City Church.

A newly revamped child care facility at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) is expected to open in September 2022.  This will allow Cariboo Child Care Society to create 12 infant/toddler spaces and 25 more spaces for children aged three to kindergarten.  

The space will have a ‘Language Nest’ where Elders will teach children about Indigenous culture and language. Staff will have additional training in the Indigenous curriculum.

In Chase, the Adams Lake Indian Band is creating four infant/toddler spots and four spaces for school-aged children at Sahhaltkum Daycare, which is part of the new Adams Lake Indian Band Health & Wellness Multipurpose Facility set to open in March 2022.

The Sahhaltkum Daycare philosophy combines traditional teaching of Elders with modern child care theories and approaches. Children will eat food from a community garden they will help grow. 

“These new spaces will help us continue to encourage individuality in a positive learning environment, Shirley Anderson, director of health and wellness at Adams Lake Indian Band said.

For more information on child care in Kamloops and Chase, visit the Kamloops Community YMCA-YWCA, click HERE.