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Central Okanagan Early Years Partnership

About

The Central Okanagan Early Years Partnership knows that early child development sets the foundation for a child’s entire life. Therefore, we aim to support every child in early development to reach their full potential. We work together to build effective, and inclusive community programs for the early years.

We bring together Early Years services to raise awareness about the importance of early development. Our partnership shares & promotes resources to unite our community with a common goal of supporting our future generation.

The table meets bi-monthly and has an open invitation to any agency, business or community partner who would like to support and advocate for children and families in their successful and healthy growth and development.

Our vision is that “The Central Okanagan is the best community possible for all young children and their families.”

News & Projects

The Central Okanagan Early Years Partnership (COEYP)  has organized a Story Walk during the week of November 16th-22nd. 10 different books have been provided (with permission from the authors and publishers) by members of the COEYP and will be displayed at 10 different parks around the Central Okanagan. Click below for more info.

Central Okanagan Story Walks

Partnership Members

History

The Partnership began in 1999 with facilitator Gene Krupa looking to bring the community partners together around issues facing young children. “CATCH” was created in 2004 (Community Action Toward Children’s Health) and our first Terms of Reference was created. In 2008, The province of BC initiated Success By 6, a partnership with United Way, Credit Unions of BC, the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) and Aboriginal and community leaders. On April 1, 2017, Success By 6 and CATCH began formally combining their resources after working together for many years. And the Central Okanagan Early Years Partnership was born.

Unfortunately, in spring of 2019, financial support from the Province was redirected from Early Years Coordination to Early Years Director Program Services, and the Partnership lost its funding to employ the Community Coordinators. After 25 years of funded coordinated services, the community agencies in the Partnership, held a celebration to honor the work of the Community Coordinators. Following the celebration, the Partnership agreed to come together monthly facilitated by Childhood Connections – Okanagan Family & Childcare Society to discuss early years supports, programs, services, collaboration and networking opportunities. Although no longer funded to provide formal coordination, the Partnership continues as a community table of like-minded agencies gathering together to ensure that the Central Okanagan is the best place for families to raise their children.