The new childcare facility at the Castlegar and District Community Complex (CDCC) has officially opened its doors to tiny feet and happy faces.
While child care is not typically something that local governments get involved with, the Regional District of Central Kootenay has been taking a proactive approach for the past several years.
The new 2000-square-foot Castlegar and District Kids’ Club is the result of a partnership between the RDCK, which owns and operates the CDCC, and Kootenay Family Place, which will run the child care centre. Additional funding support has come from Columbia Basin Trust and the province’s Childcare BC New Spaces Fund.
The facility has opened part time, with the goal of eventually providing 30 child-care spaces as well as 20 licensed pre-school and after-school spaces.
Morning preschool and after-school care will be offered during the school year, giving the Castlegar Community Complex access to the facility for programming and camps in the summer.
“Having access to licensed quality care is essential to improving outcomes for the residents of Castlegar and surrounding communities,” said Sally Bojechko, co-executive director, Kootenay Family Place. “As child care wait list numbers have increased over the past several years, families have struggled to find care options that will support them in being able to fulfill both their professional and personal goals.”
“This is a great fit for the Castlegar and District Community Complex because this is a community hub and facility designed for all ages,” said Jim Crockett, manager of recreation at the CDCC. “We have a seniors centre and provide programs and services for all ages, so it is a nice fit to add a child care centre right on site.”
Bojechko added, “The uniqueness of the development of the co-located child care facility will not only address the need for additional child care options, it will also foster a gathering place for families to connect and become more involved in various recreational experiences.”
CDCC recreation coordinator, Audrey Maxwell Polovnikoff, said, “One of the biggest reasons why we were successful with our funding application was the ability for the child care centre to utilize all our services, including the rink, pool and soccer fields. Emphasizing the importance of connecting with children at a young age to the importance of health and wellness made sense to the B.C. government and to the Castlegar and District Recreation Commission.”
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betsy.kline@castlegarnews.com
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