The YMCA-YWCA of the Central Okanagan is very pleased to partner with Okanagan College to build and operate a new Child Care Centre on the KLO Campus, the Little Scholars – YMCA Playing to Learn Childcare & Preschool.

The YMCA-YWCA Childcare Philosophy

The YMCA-YWCA believes that childcare programs must provide environments that:

• Recognize each child as an individual
• Recognize each family has different needs, interests and expectations
• Develop personal growth in spirit, mind and body
• Are caring, supportive and secure
• Involve children in learning through active hands-on play, exploration and discovery
• Develop self-esteem, self-confidence and self-reliance
• Develop the values of caring, respect, honesty and responsibility
• Develop social and emotional competence
• Involve children in philanthropic activities, such as our annual Strong Kids Campaign

Our Purpose
To provide safe, nurturing and value-based childcare for children of students, staff and faculty of the Okanagan College community, as well as members of the surrounding community. We offer a “learn through play” environment that fosters optimal developmental growth and cultivates Y values that we encourage in ourselves and our participants – caring, respect, honesty and responsibility.

Location
Little Scholars is located in Buidling D, on the north side of the Okanagan College KLO Campus. The 3,000 sq. ft. centre features three separate active play areas, a quiet room, an office, washrooms, kitchen facilities and a secured outdoor playground space.

Opening Date
Construction of the Centre began September 2008 with the assistance from the College’s Trades Department (carpentry, electrical and plumbing students) and a Home for Learning project team building the centre. The centre opened its doors September 2009.

Childcare Programs
The YMCA-YWCA of the Central Okanagan will operate and supervise the day to day running of the Centre that will provide full and part-time child care spaces for both students and staff at the College, as well as members of the community.

The Centre will have capacity for a maximum of 53 children. There are four Waitlist Application/Registration Forms attached – one for each of the programs that will be offered.

Waitlist Application
Registration Form
Parents Handbook

Please submit your completed application to:

Little Scholars – YMCA Playing to Learn Childcare & Preschool
Okanagan College, Buidling D, 1000 KLO Road
Kelowna, BC   V1Y 4X8
T: 250.862.5653, ext 4

All inquiries, please contact Colleen at 250.862.5653, ext 4 or at ckeeler@ymca-ywca.com

Please note: Read the Childcare Registration Information carefully and then complete the appropriate form(s) to waitlist/register your child(ren). Complete one form for each child. Registrations will only be received via mail and must be fully completed and include all required attachments. In addition, enrollment in the Okanagan College Childcare, especially for children under 36 months, will consider how soon the child will move into the next age group.

Fees

The BC Government Childcare Subsidy Program

The Childcare Subsidy Program is run by the Provincial Government and it is designed to assist families with daycare costs. The program does not pay the entire childcare fee; instead the subsidy pays a portion of the fee and the families are expected to pay the balance.

As a parent, you may apply to the Ministry of Children and Family Development (Child Care Subsidy Centre) to see if you are eligible for assistance with your childcare fees. The subsidy, determined through an application process, is available to parents depending on your financial circumstances. As an enrolling parent, it is your responsibility to ensure that you apply for subsidy as the YMCA-YWCA cannot apply for this subsidy on your behalf. Full payment of the child care fee will be required until we are notified by the Child Care Subsidy Centre of your subsidy approval and you must pay any outstanding balance not covered by the subsidy to the YMCA-YWCA.
 
For more information regarding the Child Care subsidy, visit the Ministry of Children & Family Development website   www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare/application.htm   or call the Childcare Subsidy Service Centre toll free: 1 888 338-6622. You will also find an Eligibility Evaluator at the website.