Story provided by Chelsea Isenor, Director of Communications and Board Administration

On Monday, September 22, 2025, the Kamloops-Thompson Board of Education and YMCA BC, with support from the Ministry of Education and Child Care, celebrated the opening of the newest child care centre in the Kamloops-Thompson School District. 

Last year, the District celebrated the reopening of Parkcrest Elementary School, which was newly rebuilt following a fire in 2019. The new school includes a Neighbourhood Learning Centre with 52 new licensed child care spaces thanks to funding from ChildCareBC. In one room, the District operates Before and After School Care programming for school aged children. This month, we are excited to celebrate the opening of the YMCA Parkcrest Care and Learning Centre in the other Neighbourhood Learning Centre rooms, including 28 spaces for infant and toddler child care (ages 0-5) operating Mondays through Fridays.

At the opening celebration, Kamloops-Thompson Board of Education Chair, Heather Grieve shared, “The Board of Education recognizes that child care for local families is something that is incredibly important in our district. As it stands right now, approximately half of our elementary schools throughout the district, have some form of early learning or child care programming on site. We are incredibly fortunate to have a partnership with YMCA BC in the opening of the new child care spaces here at Parkcrest. We also want to express our immense gratitude to the Ministry of Education and Child Care for supporting these child care spaces through the New Spaces Fund.”

The Kamloops-Thomson School District is committed to supporting early learning opportunities and environments which inspire children to thrive. Understanding the urgent need for families to have access to inclusive and welcoming child care spaces, and the Board of Education has been focused on productive partnerships to meet this need, previously opening child care centers at Ralph Bell Elementary in 2023 and Happyvale in 2024.

“This is a powerful testament to what happens when people work together and imagine a preferred future. That is what we are celebrating today,” shared Superintendent Mike McKay. “All of this is in support of children and their growth and potential, and in support of families who require and are attracted to this wonderful space that builds community and capacity. It doesn’t happen everywhere, and I think the fact that it’s happening here in our school district and community speaks strongly to the kind of partnerships and commitments that a dedicated group of people can achieve.” 

YMCA BC already has a strong partnership with the Kamloops-Thompson School District, also offering after-school care at Rayleigh Elementary. YMCA Child Care provides safe and welcoming environments where children can stretch their skills in mind and body while building positive relationships with caring adults. Their goal to ensure continued enthusiasm and capacity for lifelong learning for each child aligns with the District's Strategic Plan.

“Most people know the YMCA for its health and fitness services, yet our organization has a long-standing history of serving communities in broader ways. We are a charity that ignites the potential in people,” shared Lauren Mathany, Senior Vice President of Health Equity, Child Care, and Camps at YMCA BC. “As the largest provider of licensed child care in BC, the YMCA recognizes how much families rely on these services and the profound impact that it has in the community. We are incredibly proud to further extend child care services with the opening of the YMCA Parkcrest Care and Learning Centre”

Parents and guardians who are interested in accessing child care at the YMCA Parkcrest Care and Learning Centre must register through the YMCA. Please contact interior.childcare@bc.ymca.ca with any questions. To learn more and join the waitlist please visit kamloopsy.org/childcare.