Yellowhead Community Services (YCS) in Barriere say they are excited to announce they will be extending their child care programs available to the community as of September this year. In addition to their preschool and playschool programs a brand new, full day, everyday multi-age care program will be opening.
“YCS has experience caring for children for a full day as we have operated a full day child care program in Clearwater for the past eight years,” says Susanne Butcher, Licensed Child Care Programs Manager and Infant Development Consultant for YCS. “Our focus while children are with us is to ensure that each child feels at home and that parents are confident their child is comfortable and well cared for.
“Qualified early childhood educators will be facilitating a warm and welcoming environment where children will be encouraged to learn and grow. Each day children will have the opportunity to play, participate in art and crafts, early language, literacy, math and science activities, enjoy drama and singing and make meaningful friendships with their peers and carers. A separate bedroom attached to the play room will provide a quiet place for tired children to rest.
“Every child’s own routine will be respected but group activities are encouraged, so we hope that meal times and play times will occur as a unit whenever possible.”
The Little Stars Multi-Age program will care for up to eight children at one time. They will be open everyday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., but will be closed on all statutory holidays, for two weeks during August and over the Christmas and New Year period for approximately one week.
Butcher says they are currently accepting registrations, with there four full time places remaining.
“Priority spacing is given to families who require full time care but we can occasionally accommodate part time places too,” says Butcher.
Multi-age group care is a category of care that the government of B.C. recognizes to qualify for Child Care Subsidy Funding; this means that should a family qualify for support with payment of their child care fees assistance is available. The application process is not complicated but can be slow, forms are available at the child care program or on line at; http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare/subsidy/
Butcher advises, “Please speak to staff before applying for subsidy as we have to ensure we have an available place for your child first.”
You’ll find more information on the YCS website at www.yellowheadcs.ca under the programs and services tab - child care programs (licensed). You can also contact either Patricia Morin or Susanne Butcher via e mail; patricia.m@yellowheadcs.ca / susanne.b@yellowheadcs.ca or by telephone at either 250-672-9773 or 250-674-2600.