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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

Childhood Connections for the National Child Day Breakfast 2026, a community gathering dedicated to advancing the rights, well-being, and futures of children and youth in the Central Okanagan. This event will bring together municipal officials, Indigenous partners, business leaders, educators, health professionals, community organizations, and other community members to learn, connect, and strengthen our collective commitment to children and youth.
At the heart of National Child Day is an important message: the rights of children and youth matter, and all of us have a role to play in ensuring those rights are understood, respected, and upheld.
Keynote Presentation – A Community Approach to Child and Youth Well-Being, by Ana Valle-Rivera, MA 
Ana is a public speaker, TEDx speaker, consultant, founder of Early Years Thriving, and an experienced child and family practitioner. Since 2007, Ana has worked with children and families with complex needs using inclusive and trauma-informed approaches. Ana’s keynote will explore how we can support children ages 8 to 13 in building healthy foundations for long-term success and well-being, while considering the sustainability and longevity of the programs and services that help young people thrive.
Friday, November 20, 2026
8:00 am to 10:30 am
HOV – Hall on Valley – 228 Valley Road, Kelowna
A complimentary breakfast will be provided, along with opportunities to connect with local community partners and learn more about the impact of programs serving children and youth.

Please email resource@chidhoodconnections.ca if you would like to register.


Promoting Healthy Screen Time

Central Okanagan Story Walks


New Name for Early Years Community

Partnership Members

The Bridge Youth and Family Services

BGCO

Childhood Connections Okanagan Family & Childcare Society

Child and Youth Advocacy Centre

City of Kelowna

City of West Kelowna

Family Connections Centre

Interior Health

Karis Support Society

Kelowna Community Resources

Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society

Metis Nation BC

Metis Community Services Society of BC

Okanagan Nation Alliance

Okanagan Regional Library

Project Literacy Central Okanagan Society

School District #23

Starbright Child Development Centre

Suxkenxitelx kl cecamala (Aboriginal Early Years Table)

United Way Southern Interior

Westbank First Nation

YMCA of Southern Interior BC

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.