New Child Care Spaces in SD73 – Board Advocacy Priority

New Child Care Spaces in SD73
The Kamloops-Thompson Board of Education is excited to have opened two new child care centres since 2023.

The first child care centre at Ralph Bell Elementary School in Valleyview opened on December 4, 2023. The second child care centre at Happyvale (next to Twin Rivers Education Centre) opened on April 22, 2024. Each new child care site provides a total of 72 spaces and is operated by Inquiring Little Minds (ILM). 

Parents/Guardians who are interested in accessing child care at Ralph Bell or Happyvale may submit their child’s information to the ILM online waitlist form — more information is available on the ILM website: ilmeducationcenter.com. If you have questions about current space availability, please send an email to Inquiring Little Minds here.

On April 22, 2022, the Ministry of Education and Child Care announced funding support for new licensed child care spaces in the Thompson-Cariboo region. Support to build both centres included $2.8 million through the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund. 

The Board continues to advocate for additional child care centres in the Kamloops-Thompson School District, with future plans including a child care site at the new Parkcrest Elementary School.

Milestones
New Child Care Spaces in SD73 – Join the Journey!
2022
 

Apr. 27, 2022 - Ministry News 

Minister of State for Child Care Katrina Chen shares how the Ministry is ‘Making child care affordable and accessible for all’ with 144 new child spaces coming to Kamloops – located at Happyvale and Ralph Bell Elementary schools and operated by the District. 

Apr. 21, 2022 - Ministry News Release

Ministry of Education and Child Care announces funding to support new licensed child care spaces in the Thompson-Cariboo region.
2023
Dec. 11, 2023 - Public Board Report

The Board of Education approves the JustB4 program expansion.
Dec. 5, 2023 - Castanet News News reports on Ralph Bell Elementary Child Care Centre Opening.

Dec. 4, 2023 - Radio NL

Minister of State for Child Care Grace Lore discusses new SD73 child care centres with Radio NL.

Dec. 4, 2023 - SD73 News

SD73 Opens Ralph Bell Elementary Child Care.

Dec. 4, 2023 - Ministry News Release

New child care centre opens at Ralph Bell Elementary in Kamloops.

Oct. 30, 2023 - Public Board Report

Child Care environmental scan survey results presented to the Board.

Oct. 26, 2023 - SD73 News

Inquiring Little Minds Child Care Centre at Ralph Bell Elementary School Opening Soon. Parents/Guardians interested in accessing child care may submit their child’s information to the ILM online waitlist form at ilmeducationcenter.com.
Oct. 24, 2023 - Ralph Bell Progress Update

Inquiring Little Minds (ILM) was granted the licence to operate the Child Care centre located at Ralph Bell Elementary School with a phased approach to having families bring their children into child care. The phased approach is commonly used to help children gain a sense of comfort with before and after school care as well as day care. ILM has been collecting families’ names and communicating with families directly.

Ralph Bell Ralph Bell Ralph Bell
Sept. 1, 2023 - Ralph Bell & Happyvale Progress Update  

Ralph Bell

  • All systems are operational, including security, fire alarms, air conditioning, furnace, and electrical.
    • A connection for monitoring the security and Fire alarm systems is still required.
  • The HVAC system has been commissioned and air balanced.
  • City sidewalks have been completed.
  • Aluminum stairs and ramps are expected to arrive today.
  • Electrical and Structural Engineers visited the site earlier this week. Mechanical Engineer is expected this morning. 
  • Licensing process will begin once Inquiring Little Minds receive the keys to the building.

Ralph Bell Portables Ralph Bell Portables Ralph Bell Portables

Twin Rivers Education Centre (Happyvale)

  • Portable structures are on-site.
  • Utility preparation work will begin next week.

Happyvale
Aug. 24, 2023 - Ralph Bell Progress Update

Ralph Bell

  • Power is connected.
  • HVAC and electrical systems are being commissioned by the portable supplier.
  • Water and sanitary system connected.
  • Interior finishing being completed by the portable supplier.
  • Fenced play area is complete.
  • Waiting for stairs and ramp.
Aug. 1, 2023 - Ralph Bell Progress Update

Ralph Bell

  • Fortis is connected.
  • No handrails or stairs yet - to be done in the next 3 weeks.
  • Electricians are done. Waiting for BC Hydro.
  • HVAC staff connecting air conditioning and working on natural gas lines.
  • Plumbers hooking up water and sanitary.
  • Grounds staff are doing play area fencing.
July 7, 2023 - SD73 News SD73 is Preparing for New Child Care Spaces at Ralph Bell Elementary School. On behalf of the Board of Education, Board Chair Heather Grieve shares that 72 child care spaces will open up once Inquiring Little Minds communicates a start date for intake of applications, which is expected to be in August.
Feb. 27, 2023 - Public Board Report Early Learning and Child Care Annual Report presented to the Board.
2024

June 11, 2024

Child Care RFP opens: New RFP for child care (T24031), specific to the newly built Parkcrest Elementary, becomes available on BC Bid. The RFP encompasses two rooms: Infant/Toddler and 3-5-year-old. The RFP is open from June 11 to August 9, 2024 (4pm).

Apr. 22, 2024 - CFJC News

News reports on Happyvale Child Care Centre Opening.

Apr. 22, 2024 - SD73 News

Opening of Inquiring Little Minds’ Child Care Centre at Happyvale.

Apr. 22, 2024 - Ministry News Release

New child care centre opens at former Kamloops school.

Mar. 11, 2024 - Public Board Report

Early Learning and Child Care Annual Report highlighting programs and services provided over the last year and future action items presented to the Board.

Jan. 22, 2024 - Happyvale Progress Update

 Twin Rivers Education Centre (Happyvale)

  • Deficiency corrections are happening now.
  • Awaiting architect and engineers documents so we can call City of Kamloops for final inspection.
  • Targeting end of January for completion.
How to get Involved

Watch for updates here and through social media.

Questions can be sent to: Facility Input

If you would like to post as we provide updates, please go to:

Contact Us