IMPORTANT NEWS REGARDING #1 KINGSWAY
Issued: April 4, 2008
Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre’s Relationship to #1 Kingsway Child Care Centre
After much deliberation and careful consideration at its meeting on February 27, 2008, the Westcoast Board of Directors took the decision to relinquish its role as operator of the child care program at the Kingsway Civic Centre. This decision was very difficult and deeply disappointing.
All of us at Westcoast shared the dream of creating an innovative, state of the art quality child care program. Our shared dream was born at a time when it seemed there would be policy and funding forthcoming from senior levels of government that would support such a vision. Sadly, this was not to be. It is the duty of the Board of Directors to ensure adherence to the organization’s values and guiding principles, protect the Westcoast services that the child care community and families rely on, and safeguard the organization.
It is Westcoast’s intention to work with the City of Vancouver to provide transition support while a new operator is being identified and becomes ready to assume full responsibility. The quality of the work Westcoast has done to date will support a smooth transition, providing uninterrupted information flow for prospective families as well as the transfer of operator responsibilities. Until a new operator has been selected, Westcoast will continue to manage the waitlist for the #1 Kingsway child care centre.
We appreciate the support the community has shown for Westcoast not only as the potential operator for the child care centre but also for the resource, referral and training activities that are at the core of our mission. We look forward to continuing to work with the City to help strengthen the community’s child care services.
Yours truly,
Rebecca Clarke
Chairperson
Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre
Construction Update: We received a revised schedule indicating that the construction of the building should be completed by September 2008. This is an extension of 4 months from the previous schedule. There has been much frustration as the project made little progress over the summer and continues to be slow. With this completion date in mind we intend to open the child care programs approximately 8 weeks later.
Mount Pleasant Child Development Hub
and
Child Care at #1 KingswayThe child care centre at #1 Kingsway will have 6,800 square feet and has been designed to provide a variety of child care services within one single facility. The child care facility will be located on the 3rd floor of the building.There will be underground parking for parent drop off.
The licensed child care centre will include:
- 12 infants (ages 0 to 18 months)
- 12 toddlers (ages 18 to 36 months)
- 25 preschool age (ages 2 1/2 to 5 years)
- Full time and part time spaces
- Large rooftop playground
- 2 Family Child Care Homes
Opening date for the facility is dependent on construction completion and availability of capital funds for furnishings and equipment.
To place your child's name on the waitlist please fill in the application form (PDF, 8kb) and return it to Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre. There is a $20/family waitlist application fee, please make cheques payable to Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre. For families with a Leisure Access Pass there is no fee for registration, you will need to register in person at 2772 East Broadway and show your pass.
Families will be contacted 6-8 weeks before the centre opens regarding enrolment. Fees will be determined closer to the opening of the facility. We are unable to project fees at this time due to recent child care cuts to the Child Care Operating Funding announced January 5, 2007. Program policies and Procedures will be going to the Board of Directors for approval and made available as soon as possible on the website.
For more information please contact Crystal Janes at Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre at 604-709-5661 loc. 232 or by email to Crystal Janes.
The Mount Pleasant Child Development Hub
The Mount Pleasant Child Development Hub is a group of service providers offering programs for children 0-12 years and their families in the Mount Pleasant Community. The neighbourhood is defined as the area of False Creek and Terminal Ave on the north side, 16th Ave on the south and between Cambie Street and Clark Drive. The committee is made up of representatives from family resource programs, health, recreation, schools, libraries, information and referral, and childcare. Westcoast is providing the leadership and staff support for the hub. The City of Vancouver is providing funding for the Hub Development and startup of #1 Kingsway child care centre.
