A new French-language child care centre has opened its doors in Kelowna, bringing more support to local Francophone families and strengthening early education in the region.
Les libellules (The Dragonflies) child care centre is run by le Phare C.-B., an organization under the F茅d茅ration des parents francophones de Colombie-Britannique. The centre began operating in December 2023, then moved into a brand-new facility in August 2024.
It offers a nursery for children aged 15 to 30 months, child care for those aged 30 months to five years, and school-age care for students at l乌鸦传媒櫭ヽole de l乌鸦传媒橝nse-au-sable. The project was developed in partnership with the Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique (CSF) and received funding from the B.C. government乌鸦传媒檚 ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund.
For parent Lucie Perroudon, the centre is a life saver.
乌鸦传媒淚t乌鸦传媒檚 very had to get a spot anywhere乌鸦传媒攊t乌鸦传媒檚 a long waiting list,乌鸦传媒� she said. 乌鸦传媒淚n French, it did not exist before.乌鸦传媒�
Perroudon乌鸦传媒檚 five year old daughter was previously enrolled a French immersion program in West Kelowna, but it was only offered two days a week, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
乌鸦传媒淲hen we found out there was a full day care we were very excited. It乌鸦传媒檚 amazing乌鸦传媒攖he staff is amazing.乌鸦传媒�
Mayor Tom Dyas, and Kelowna-Mission MLA Gavin Dew were also on hand for the ribbon cutting.
乌鸦传媒淎s we know childcare for many families is essential,乌鸦传媒� Days said. 乌鸦传媒淲hen it is accessible, affordable and when it is culturally connected乌鸦传媒攁s it is here乌鸦传媒攊t opens up doors.乌鸦传媒�
Dew pointed out that childcare is a crucial economic enabler, especially for women being able to be part of the work force.
乌鸦传媒淲e see the economic multipliers on being able to make sure childcare is available乌鸦传媒攚e see the difference that it makes for families,乌鸦传媒� he added.
B.C.'s Parliamentary Secretary for Child Care, Rohini Arora, noted that providing children access to their community's culture and language so important for their development and well being.
乌鸦传媒淜elowna's thriving francophone community will benefit for years to come thanks to the opening of this new French-speaking child care centre,乌鸦传媒� she said.
Les libellules is one of 13 child care centres managed by le Phare C.-B., which is working to expand access to Francophone child care across the province. The goal is to support language development from a young age and help preserve French in minority-language communities like Kelowna.
乌鸦传媒淟es libellules child care centre supports parents in their mission to transmit French language and Francophone culture to their children, and provides a suitable environment for the strengthening and growth of the region's Francophone community,乌鸦传媒� said Christian Leclerc, president of the F茅d茅ration des parents francophones de Colombie-Britannique.
To attend Les libellules, at least one parent must be a 乌鸦传媒渞ights holder,乌鸦传媒� meaning they meet the legal criteria for having their child educated in a CSF school.
More information about eligibility is available on the .
