The new, $25 a day child care pilot project at Grande Prairie Regional College will officially open on Monday, August 28th. The province is trying the program out at 22 locations across the province for the next three years, after which it will decide if it should be continued or expanded.
The program replaces the Children’s Centre Demonstration Preschool at GPRC and has room for 28 youngsters. Spots filled up quickly when registration opened in May, but they’re still accepting applications for their waitlist.
Younger children are being taken through the Demonstration Daycare than when it was a preschool. There’s now room for 12 kids aged 19 to 36 months, along with 16 from three to five years old.
In addition to more affordable childcare services, the program has supports for children with a wide range of needs. The college’s Early Learning and Child Care students will also benefit, as they will be able to do assignments and get practicum experience on campus.
“I am looking forward to being able to work with so many different children as part of my studies and see [my daughter] Paisley interacting as well,” says ELCC student, Katie Rowlandson. “I’m really thankful for this opportunity and the hands-on experience. It makes me feel so prepared for my future career.”
Facilities in Fairview and Peace River are also part of the pilot program.