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South Delta is getting more child care spaces

South Delta will soon be getting an additional 85 child care spaces thanks to funding from the provincial government.
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The province announced funding for new child care spaces in South Delta today.

South Delta will soon be getting an additional 85 child care spaces thanks to funding from the provincial government.

On Thursday morning, the province announced that 60 new child care spaces are coming to Ladner and 25 new child care spaces are coming to Tsawwassen.

In Ladner, through Childcare BC’s New Fund, Little Koala Montessori Academy is creating 12 infant/toddler spaces and 48 spaces for children aged 30 months to school age. Children will learn, grow and play in a bright, newly renovated centre with a new outdoor playground right in the heart of Ladner.

“Our vision is to provide quality child care benefiting the child, the parent, the staff and the community,” said James Teng, director, Little Koala Montessori Academy. “We are very grateful to have received the new space funding from the ministry to set up a new facility so that more parents can have access to quality child care.”

The daily curriculum will focus on Montessori activities that encourage growth in all areas of development – cognitive, emotional, social and physical – through exploration and discovery. Programming will also focus on the use of stories, poetry, rhymes, song and dance to help children understand the world around them.

After hours, the academy will regularly host workshops for parents on topics related to early childhood education and parenting so they can work closely with the centre to foster an environment for the children to thrive.

“We know that many B.C. families are struggling to find quality, licensed child care, especially in growing urban areas,” said Katrina Chen, Minister of State for Child Care. “These spaces in Ladner will provide much-needed relief for area families and offer kids the programs they need to succeed in a way that connects with them as young learners.”

Further south, the Tsawwassen First Nation is creating a new community hub that includes a child care facility for school-age kids. Children will learn about Indigenous culture, language and teachings through an Elder connection program and speaker series called Breaking Bannock. The young learners will also be able to grow fruit and vegetables as part of a new community garden.

The new building, which is inspired by Coast Salish architecture, has a culturally meaningful design created with input from the public. In addition to the child care centre, the building will house several offices for community services, an art room, computer lab, library, kitchen and gymnasium. A new youth centre will be a welcoming place for teens and provide services to at-risk youth and young parents.

“Indigenous families often struggle to find culturally appropriate child care that meets their needs,” added Chen. “The Tsawwassen First Nation’s new centre will help immerse children in their culture and form strong bonds with their community from an early age.”