Child Care Facilities Honoured For More than Four Decades of Service

 

The Ministry of Children and Family Development hosted its first Child Care Legacy Awards in February 2008 to recognize the valuable contributions and honour the long service of child care centres across B.C. It was a real pleasure to host the 2008 Child Care Legacy Awards for child care organizations that have been providing child care programs and services for over 40 years.

 

Two award ceremonies held in the Lower Mainland and on Vancouver Island highlighted the achievements of the child care centres that have served children and families in their communities for over the last four decades.  A total of 39 child care centres across the province were recognized at this event. Collectively they have delivered child care for over 2000 years!

 

As a former teacher and long-time advocate for both child care and early childhood development, I recognize that quality, sustainable early childhood development and child care programs are important for children and families – and that investments early in life pay strong dividends for years to come.

 

It is important for us to create opportunities that celebrate our collective achievements in supporting better outcomes for our youngest citizens.  I want to thank the child care awards recipients as well as all of the other child care providers in the province for providing families in their communities with affordable, licensed child care programs that build and strengthen the development of children.  Congratulations to all 2008 Child Care Legacy Award recipients.

 

2008 Child Care Legacy Award Winners

 

Fraser Region 
 

 

Brighouse Nursery Preschool was first licensed in 1955. This nursery school has provided care for over 55 years.  Head teacher Elly English accepted the award on behalf of the School. 

 

 

 

Vancouver Island

 

Castleview Child Care Centre is located in Victoria and is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.  It first opened its door in 1958 to Fernwood and Rockland children and families.  Carol Hunter and Debbie Brown accepted the award on behalf of the Centre. 
 

Interior Region

 

 

Kamloops United Church Preschool recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. They provided care to 40 preschool children in the church basement. Patti Pernitsky accepted the award on-behalf of the Preschool.

 

 

 

 

 
House of Youth first opened its door in 1967. It has been serving children and families in the Williams Lake area for the last 41 years. Sheen Rogers accepted the award on-behalf of the centre. 

 
Vancouver Coastal

 

 

 

 

First licensed in 1966, Mt. Pleasant Community Centre Preschool and Out-of-School Program have served the Mt. Pleasant community for over 41 years.  By offering out-of-school and preschool to one of Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhoods in the heart of the city, Mt. Pleasant provides care to an ethnically and economically diverse community.  Nanci Chiavario, President of the Centre and Chistopher Richardson, Treasurer accepted the award on behalf of the organization.