The Southeast Kootenay School District (District) is pleased to announce a partnership with ʔaq ̓ am and Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) to create a new child care facility at the Amy Woodland Elementary School site in Cranbrook.

The project, located at 911 6th Street South, will expand access to quality, inclusive child care for families in the community.

Supported through Distinctions Based Space Creation Funding under the ChildCareBC Plan and the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, the project is intended to increase access to high-quality, inclusive child care spaces while supporting culturally grounded early learning opportunities for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children and families, as well as families throughout Cranbrook and the surrounding community.

The new facility is planned as a stand-alone modular building on the east side of the Amy Woodland Elementary School site. It will include eight infant/toddler spaces, 16 spaces for children ages three to five, and 10 after-school care spaces, for a total of 34 child care spaces.

This project is not related to the rebuilding or repair plans for the existing Amy Woodland Elementary School.

MNBC will lead the planning, financing, development, and construction of the facility. The District and MNBC will jointly select a non-profit child care operator through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process. The partnership also includes commitments to culturally informed design and support for the recruitment of ʔaq ̓ am and Métis staff, Elders, and educators.

Construction is expected to begin on the site in mid-to-late August, with the project targeted for completion in spring 2027. This project reflects the District’s ongoing commitment to supporting children, families, and communities through accessible early learning opportunities. Through this partnership, the District is helping create welcoming and inclusive spaces where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

“The District is excited about the creation of these new spaces, which are designed to support the well-being of children and help meet the child care needs of families,” said Doug McPhee, Board Chairperson for the Southeast Kootenay School District.

“It is truly exciting to see this vision becoming a reality for children and families in Cranbrook and the surrounding community. I want to acknowledge and thank ʔaq ̓ am for their leadership, generosity, and support in bringing this important initiative forward. It is an honour to work together in a spirit of respect, collaboration, and shared responsibility to create opportunities that will benefit children, families, and future generations,” said Minister Debra Fisher, Minister of Education, Métis Nation British Columbia.

e-KNOW file photo

Submitted by Southeast Kootenay School District

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