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Penticton  

Childhood Programs Grant

Early childhood development programs across the South Okanagan got a big boost Thursday.

The Ministry of Children and Family Development has given a $79,000 grant to the Penticton and District Community Resources Society to help support child care throughout the area.

Minister of State for Child Care, Linda Reid, says this funding supports long-term planning for the needs of Penticton and area families.

"Research shows that strong links between child care and early childhood development programs within communities result in healthier outcomes for children,” says Reid.

Penticton-Okanagan MLA, Bill Barisoff, says this grant will support the society's work to create new partnerships with other family-serving organizations in the region.

The PDCRS established a neighbourhood hub with the January 2007 opening of the Child Care Campus on Edmonton Avenue, funded in part by the Ministry of Children and Family Development.

Executive director of the PDCRS, Kim Lyster, says the funding will help them look at ways to strengthen partnerships with other community organizations.

“It will help us enrich our community's commitment to kids, celebrate the innovations that exist and build a strong network across our diverse region, including our more rural communities," says Lyster.

The Ministry of Children and Family Development has committed a total of $2.5 million in one-time grants for similar, new early childhood development projects in 22 B.C. communities.


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