The Comox Valley Child Development Association is taking on another role to benefit young families in the community.
The CVCDA has been selected as a child care resource and referral centre (CCRR) - one of five new CCRR contracts in the province.
CCRRs connect families with child care services, providing tailored referrals to child care providers and community support. Families benefit from access to high-quality resources and lending libraries, equipping them with essential tools for child development. Families also benefit from workshops and convenient drop-in programs.
CCRRs recently went through a competitive procurement process, consistent with government-wide best practices. The process closed on Jan. 4, and the new contracts took effect on April 1.
Along with the CVCDA, new service providers were named in Kelowna (YMCA of Southern Interior BC), Hope (Chilliwack Community Services), Saanich-Gulf Islands (Beacon Community Services) and Terrace (Northwest Child Development Centre Society).
The Comox Valley situation is unique in that the service has always been in the CVCDA office. PacificCare held the contract for the local CCRR and subletted office space out of the CVCDA building, on Cliffe Avenue and 3rd Street.
“We decided that this just made sense for us (to apply) because… we have a team that works in day cares, with kids, so it makes sense that we could also help families access day care,” said CVCDA executive director Cindy Xavier.“Because we have early care programs, we have always worked very closely with the (CCRR). Families who are looking for the child care resource and referral services are often also families who might need child development support.”
That said, Xavier made it clear the CCRR is not a resource for developmental purposes. It’s for families that need help sourcing out day care opportunities, regardless of the child’s health.
“This is for any family in the Comox Valley; it is not exclusive to those needing CVCDA services.”
CVCDA staffing decisions for the contract have yet to be determined.
For child care providers, CCRRs offer ongoing training sessions and networking opportunities to enhance their skills and services. Providers receive support services and consultations to foster quality and inclusive care, such as workshops, training and networking events. They also have access to supportive program outreach, lending libraries and referrals to community resources.
“The CVCDA is excited to integrate the CCRR program into our agency and provide child care resource and referral services directly to families, the child care workforce and child care providers in the Comox Valley and Powell River communities,” added Xavier.
“The Comox Valley Child Development Association was selected through a competitive procurement process, to provide better services to families and children,” said Courtenay-Comox MLA Ronna-Rae Leonard. “Our government has updated service areas to align with school districts to provide more seamless care for families and ease the transition to school. In addition to helping families find child care, the (CCRRs) provide many more services to families, child care providers and the child care workforce.
“This includes support with applying for child care-related funding, providing learning opportunities, and providing an inclusive and diverse lending library, to name a few. I’m looking forward to working alongside the Comox Valley Child Development Association to provide the best service to families and the community while making quality childcare affordable, accessible, and inclusive.”