Prince George and Peace Region communities, BC – The YMCA of Northern BC and School District No. 59 are proud to announce the grand opening of YMCA Ècole Frank Ross Centre.
This beautiful new centre, which is made possible through funding from the Ministry of Children and Family Development Rapid Renovation Fund, provides an additional 24 school age child care spaces in Dawson Creek.
“The YMCA of Northern BC is excited to partner with School District No. 59 and bring valuable child care services to more deserving parents and caregivers in this community,” says Amanda Alexander, CEO, YMCA of Northern BC. “Our YMCA has been part of many child care openings over the years. I can honestly say that each opening is just as significant as the one before, because it means that more families and children are gaining access to much-needed child care support.
“It is our collective desire to provide quality before and after school care programs for families in the South Peace. The Ècole Frank Ross program was created as a result of need defined within the school community,” says Paul Chisholm, School District No. 59 Director of Instruction. “This program provides parents the opportunity to have their children engage in meaningful activity in a safe and familiar environment under the care of trained professionals leading into the school day and after school hours.”
Located at Ècole Frank Ross Elementary, YMCA Ècole Frank Ross Centre began welcoming children to the program starting in September 2021.
“Quality child care requires passionate, caring, and committed staff. We certainly have that at YMCA Ècole Frank Ross Centre,” says Lynette Mikalishen, Director of Child Care Services, YMCA of Northern BC. “This continues to be a challenging time in our communities and the YMCA knows how much families rely on quality child care services. Our team is excited to welcome even more children to our YMCA child care community, and provide them with positive, healthy experiences before and after school.”
To mark today’s special occasion the following video was created, featuring the Honourable Katrina Chen, BC Minister of State for Child Care; Christy Fennell, Superintendent of School District #59; Amanda Alexander, CEO, YMCA of Northern BC; and Kiana Fellers, Child Care Coordinator, YMCA Dawson Creek.
The YMCA is the largest not-for-profit child care provider in Canada, and is committed to helping children reach their potential. All YMCA school age child care programs follow our national A Place to Connect curriculum, which focuses on engaging children in fun activities and creating a positive social environment where participants take part in physical activity for a minimum of 60 minutes per day. The YMCA of Northern BC currently provides quality child care services for over 800 children from 0 to 12 years, serving the communities of Prince George, Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, Fort St. John, and Chetwynd.
Families interested in applying for care at YMCA Ècole Frank Ross Centre can register at: nbc.ymca.ca/child-care/school-age/#DC
