YMCA of Northern BC expanding into Dawson Creek

The YMCA of Northern BC is partnering with School District 59 to offer childcare services in Dawson Creek.

The Prince George-based organization provides childcare for more than 600 children in the city, as well in Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, Fort St. John and Chetwynd. The new programs will be located at Ecole Frank Ross Elementary and Crescent Park Elementary.

Both programs are expected to offer spaces for 24 school-age children.

"The YMCA of Northern BC is absolutely thrilled to be extending our reach in the Peace Region to include child care services into Dawson Creek," YMCA of Northern BC CEO  Amanda Alexander said in a press release. "Parents have provided an overwhelming response indicating a need for quality school aged child care and at the YMCA, we believe that no matter where you live in B.C., parents and children deserve to have access to quality child care programs."

The new childcare centre, which was funded through the Ministry of Children and Family Development Rapid Renovation Fund, is expected to open on Sept. 8.

“School District 59 is very excited to be partnering with the YMCA of Northern BC to extend child care services before and after school," School District 59 superintendent Christy Fennell said. "It will help to create a seamless day for students at their school.”

The YMCA is the largest not-for-profit childcare provider in Canada. The YMCA of Northern BC operates three childcare centres in Prince George, with a fourth under development downtown.

Registration for both programs will begin June 14. For more information, go online to www.nbc.ymca.ca/child/DawsonCreek.