Together, Kootenay Employment Services (KES), Community Futures East Kootenay (CFEK) and Community Futures Central Kootenay (CFCK) are proud to share an important new resource for local childcare providers: the Kootenay Childcare Initiative.

KES, CFEK and CFCK, local leaders in community economic development, are excited to announce this initiative to help childcare providers to grow and thrive.

The Kootenay Childcare Initiative will enhance the sector by facilitating custom business coaching and training for licenced childcare providers, helping fill positions through lending recruitment support and expertise, while leading a marketing campaign to promote the Early Childcare profession across the Kootenays.

Recent research indicates that one-third of childcare providers in our region are struggling, and Kootenay Childcare Initiative is here to help. “It is wonderful to now be able to provide real and tangible coaching and training opportunities for childcare providers, and to be able to deliver on the needs we heard in that research to ensure we have a thriving and resilient childcare sector in the Kootenays,” said Robyn Peel, Community Economic Development Manager for CFEK.

With new childcare spaces set to open around the Kootenays, growth and opportunity abound.

“We are so excited about this project. Sustainable, high-quality childcare is essential to meet the needs of our vibrant and growing communities. Our children deserve the best, and our providers should be well-supported to do this impactful work,” said Londa Morris, Director of Programs for Kootenay Employment Services.

KES, CFEK, and CFCK are proud to be supported by the Government of British Columbia, the Lower Columbia Initiatives Corporation, and the Regional Districts of the East Kootenay and Central Kootenay in this work.

Childcare providers of any size can reach out for services at [email protected] or visit our website: https://kootenaychildcare.ca/.

e-KNOW file photo

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