A $20,000 grant will help complete new theme-rooms at the recently opened Munchkinland Exploration Centre, a dynamic play environment for early learners and their families.

Munchkinland officially opened its doors to Parksville and Oceanside families on April 9. The interactive centre offers play-based and cultural learning opportunities for children of all ages and will feature a community kitchen and garden, a science and crafts area, lending library, storytelling stage and a baby zone.

It is the area's third Munchkinland early learning and play centre, joining those already active in Coombs and Qualicum Beach.

Parksville's Munchkinland forms part of Family Place, a multi-faceted community hub developed in partnership with government, the Vancouver Island Health Authority and the Qualicum school district.

The Family Place project began in 2009 with a $7.1-million contribution from the provincial government and opened last fall, offering health, wellness and education services for residents of all ages.

Under B.C.'s Families First Agenda, government is supporting programs that enrich children's early learning and make family services more convenient and accessible. To learn more and share your ideas, visit: www.familiesfirstbc.ca

Quotes:

Stephanie Cadieux, Minister of Children and Family Development -

"Our investment in the Munchkinland Exploration Centre at Family Place is part of our commitment to make life easier for families and help children reach their full potential. We're thrilled Munchkinland began welcoming children this week and still has room to grow."

Ron Cantelon, MLA for Parksville-Qualicum -

"This new facility is a testament to the power of community partnership. It is a tremendous asset for young learners in Parksville and surrounding communities today, as it will be for the children and families of tomorrow."

Deborah Davenport, community literacy coordinator and president of Building Learning Together -

"The Oceanside Building Learning Together Society's goal is to provide quality innovative early learning experiences for our youngest children on board the Words on Wheels Outreach Bus, at Storybook Village/Alphabet Gardens and the Munchkinland centres to name a few. It's a happy day for Building Learning Together as this $20,000 donation will continue to support the work that touches the hearts of many young children and their families!"

Learn More:

For more information on Munchkinland and other community partnerships in the area, visit: www.sd69.bc.ca/programs/BLT

Media Contact:

Sheldon Johnson
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Children and Family Development
250 356-1639