The Fraser-Fort George Museum Society has been awarded a $50,000 grant for the creation of preschool and child care spaces at The Exploration Place, Minister of State for Child Care Linda Reid announced.
?Child care and preschool are crucial to providing children with the strongest possible start,? said Reid. ?This project will be of tremendous benefit to Prince George families and to the Province as we work with community partners to increase the availability of quality and sustainable child care in British Columbia.?
?It?s wonderful to see new preschool and child care opportunities happening in such a dynamic and stimulating setting,? said Prince George-Mount Robson MLA Shirley Bond, Minister of Education. ?This project is a wonderful example of communities and government sharing a commitment to the early years that promotes healthy outcomes for children.?
The grant allows The Exploration Place to launch a new licensed preschool program for 80 children and create 25 new spaces in their licensed school-age child care program.
?We?re thrilled with the government?s support for this project,? said Tracy Calogheros, museum executive director. ?Renovations to accommodate the new preschool and the additional child care spaces wrapped up over the summer to allow for the launch this fall.?
?Once again, The Exploration Place has shown us what an immense asset it is to the community,? said Prince George-Omineca MLA John Rustad.
Other contributors to the project include Canfor and Commonwealth Financial.
?This kind of community partnership is key to providing children and families with the services they need,? said Prince George North MLA Pat Bell. ?It is a great project and a wise investment that broadens the options available to local families.?
The B.C. government is committed to providing sustainable child care in order that families can choose from a range of affordable, safe, quality child care options.