This backgrounder contains additional information on projects in the Fraser Valley that will create 421 new licensed child care spaces in the Fraser Valley.

Aldergrove

Eagle Kids Learning Centre

Fifty new infant/toddler spaces are being created. The centre has an outdoor play space and a garden to help children connect with the natural world and teach them how to care for plants, flowers and vegetables. Children will also have the opportunity to learn different subjects, such as art, music and science, as well as develop their motor skills through movement and play. The centre will also offer extended hours to help parents working outside of usual office hours.

Green Tree Montessori Children’s Centre

Thirty-eight new spaces are being created – eight infant/toddler spaces, 20 spaces for children aged three to five and 10 preschool spaces. The curriculum teaches children to learn and develop through exploration and play, with programming offering French lessons, music, art, math and science. The centre will also have a dedicated space for children with extra support needs. In addition, parents will have access to workshops on subjects including nutrition and health, as well as supports such as counselling.

Abbotsford

Pure Play Child Care

Seventy-nine new spaces are being created – 20 infant/toddler spaces, 44 spaces for children aged three to five, five preschool spaces and 10 spaces for school-age children. The centre offers accessible washrooms, ramps and rails for children with extra support needs. Programs will encourage children to be environmentally conscious by teaching them about recycling and reusing materials. Parents will also have access to information about safety, healthy eating and social and cultural activities.

Tiny Scholars

Thirty-two new spaces are being created – eight infant/toddler spaces, 16 preschool spaces and eight spaces for children under the age of 12. The centre will be located at the Vancouver Career College campus in Abbotsford. Staff and students at the college will receive a reduced rate for child care. Children will learn about other cultures and traditions through story time, with staff able to speak Tagalog, English and Bahasa Melayu.

Chilliwack

Creative Kids Learning Centre (Vedder Crossing)

This centre will have 105 new spaces – 36 infant/toddler spaces, 25 spaces for children aged three to five, 20 preschool spaces and 24 spaces for school-age children. The centre offers one-on-one support to children with extra-support needs, as well as a charity program to help community fundraisers and events, such as the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation’s annual Pumpkin Run.

“Creative Kids prides itself on being an organization that has a personal connection to our children, our teachers, our families and our community,” said Sandra Christian, owner and founder, Creative Kids. “Funding from Childcare BC’s New Spaces Fund allowed us to open a new child care centre in Chilliwack, so we could give more than 100 children in the community the opportunity to learn, play and be as creative as they want to be in a safe, loving environment.”

Lake Errock

Sq’ewlets Child Care Centre

Thirty-six new spaces are being created – 12 infant/toddler spaces, and 24 spaces for children aged three to five. The centre’s programming will be inspired by the Aboriginal Head Start program, with children learning about Indigenous culture through activities, such as language learning, arts and crafts, traditional dance and storytelling. Children will also have access to a library to help develop their literacy skills, with a Halq’meylem speaker visiting regularly to teach the Halq’meylem language. Programming will include a focus on healthy eating, with a nutritionist from Seabird Health Department available to support families at the centre.

“Sqewlets is very excited to be incorporating a child care centre in the community,” said Andy Phillips, executive director, Stolo Tribal Council. “The centre will benefit young families with children that will allow parents to attend work or pursue education goals without worrying about child care services. In addition, children will be exposed to their culture, which is so important. We are close to commencing construction which is exciting news for the community.”

Langley

Bee Yourself Childcare

Fifty-three new spaces are being created – 28 infant/toddler spaces, 17 spaces for children aged three to five, and eight spaces for children up to 12. The centre is wheelchair accessible and offers monthly visits from local service providers — such as dentists, firefighters and veterinarians — to connect children to their community. The centre predominantly supports low-income families, single parents and families who are new to Canada.

Beyond Element Childcare

Creating 28 new spaces – 12 infant/toddler spaces, and 16 spaces for children aged three to five. The curriculum will help children develop their language skills through bilingual programming, with parents involved in their children’s learning through regular meetings with staff at the centre. The facility will also be accessible and inclusive for children with extra-support needs, and support young parents through offering modified schedules and rates.

In addition, there is one project in Abbotsford that was previously announced:

Abbotsford

Contemporary Kids Learning Centre

Thirty-one new spaces are being created – 12 infant/toddler spaces and 19 spaces for children aged three to five. Programs at the centre are guided by Indigenous teaching and supports children in learning about mindfulness and building an awareness of cultural traditions. Children also have the opportunity to explore their community, with the centre offering trips to local senior homes, libraries, theatre and musical performances.

“I am so excited to create a childcare facility that is complementary to the Fraser Valley’s modern and diverse group of families,” said Shavaun Pellatt, owner and operator, Contemporary Kids Learning Centre Inc. “Contemporary Kids will provide 12 infant and toddler and 16 pre-kindergarten spaces in a progressive environment catered to the modern-day child in the rapidly growing City of Abbotsford. Contemporary Kids Learning Centre is very grateful to the Childcare BC New Spaces Fund for supporting the development of this new child care learning centre. We are very excited to offer childcare services in a unique downtown location in B.C.’s rapidly growing Fraser Valley.”