A new regional Kootenay Childcare partnership aims to boost the strength and sustainability of childcare across the Kootenays. Kootenay Employment Services (KES), Community Futures East Kootenay (CFEK), and Community Futures Central Kootenay (CFCK) have announced the launch of the Kootenay Childcare Initiative, a collaborative effort to support childcare providers and promote the Early Childhood Education profession.

The initiative will offer customized business coaching and training for licensed childcare providers, recruitment support to help fill staffing gaps, and a marketing campaign designed to elevate awareness and interest in the childcare sector.

Recent research revealed that one-third of childcare providers in the region are struggling to remain viable—an issue the new initiative aims to address directly.

“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 opening throughout the region, organizers say the timing couldn’t be better.

“We are so excited about this project,” said Londa Morris, Director of Programs for Kootenay Employment Services. “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.”

The Kootenay Childcare Initiative is supported by the Government of British Columbia, the Lower Columbia Initiatives Corporation, and the Regional Districts of East and Central Kootenay.

Childcare providers of any size are encouraged to connect with the program team at hello@kootenaychildcare.ca or visit kootenaychildcare.ca for more information.