Childcare Council of the Central Okanagan
The Childcare Council of the Central Okanagan is a collaborative group representing various organizations across the Central Okanagan communities (Kelowna, West Kelowna, Lake Country and Peachland). The focus of the group is to discuss, plan and implement innovative ideas to enhance the childcare sector of Central Okanagan municipalities.
Email Melissa Hunt at MelissaH@childhoodconnections.ca to join the council and get involved with finding childcare solutions!
What We’re Doing
Childcare Needs Assessment
Earlier this year, 2020, the council was excited to support the four Central Okanagan municipalities with their successful Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) grant application to receive funding for a childcare needs assessment that delivered an Action Plan to the municipalities upon completion of the research study in March 2020.
The Childcare needs Assessment resulted in the Care for Our Kids project and the Community Child Care Planning report and action plan. Read about it here.
See below documents for more information
Child Care Advocacy Presentation Nov 2021
Community Child Care Planning Report 2020
Child Care Needs Assessment 2018 – Full Report
Child Care Needs Assessment 2018 – Report Summary
Child Care Needs Assessment 2018 – Parent Responses
Recruitment & Retention for the Early Care and Learning Sector
This past year, 2020, a main focus of the Council was on networking and management training opportunities. The council provided numerous workshops and events to connect childcare managers and employees to resources to better support the childcare sector crisis. There was a specific focus on their struggle to staff newly created spaces and brainstorm solutions. Part of the Council’s work focused on advocating for increased wages to Early Childhood Educators (ECEs).
Child Care promotional posters
Early Childhood Educators Matter
Council Members 2020/2021:
| Danielle Miranda YMCA Okanagan |
Lianna Michaylow Okanagan Boys & Girls Clubs |
Terri Russell ECE Okanagan College |
Hailey Rilkoff City of West Kelowna |
| Cheryl Fralick Starbright |
Caroline Noga The Clubhouse |
Jennifer Robins Parent |
Yvonne Stauble Child Care Resource & Referral |
| Betty Cleland ECE Instructor |
Tom Clark City of Kelowna |
Jamie McEwan District of Lake Country |
Robert Southam For the Kids Daycare |
| Cyndy Mymka Kid’s Corner |
Rhonda Ovelson School District 23 |
Melissa Hunt Childhood Connections |
Amanda Worms ELOWYN |
| Carla Hees Sprott Shaw |
Amy Wesley ECPN Pedagogist |
Justine D’Amico New Beginnings |
Shauna Stewart Interior Health Licensing |