School District 57 has partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern B.C. to open a new 50-space child care centre in the city.
The centre, located at 1788 Diefenbaker Ave., is scheduled to open on June 19 for children aged 30 months to five years old. Big Brothers Big Sisters will act as the operating partner for the early learning centre.
The federal and provincial governments provided $1.2 million in funding support through the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund and federal Early Learning and Childcare Agreement.
“The District recognizes the need for this type of child care in this neighbourhood, so we are all very excited that we are able to provide a high-quality early learning centre in our community,” School District 57 chairperson Rachael Weber said in a statement issued on Friday. “We are also grateful for the funding provided by the Province, which allows us to provide this space for families so their children get the daycare they need as they embark on a lifetime love of discovery and learning.”
Families whose children attend the new early learning centre will benefit from the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative and Child Care Operating Funding incentives. Early childhood educators working at the facility will be eligible for wage enhancement incentives through the ECE-WE Program.
The newly-renovated site was selected after the 2020 City of Prince George Child Care Action Plan determined there was a need for childcare options in the community.
To apply to register your child at the centre, go online to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Northern BC’s website or phone 250-563-7410.
