After an opening ceremony in December, this week the Village of Canal Flats Daycare welcomed children for the first time.
On Jan. 3 families were able to drop off their kids for the day. Currently there are nine children attending the three-to-five-year-old program.
Daycare centre manager Ashley Nielsen said she was impressed by the children who came in on the first day.
“They had eager smiles, anticipation of fun and no tears at drop offs,” she said.
She added the children have been excited to come back each day since opening.
“Children get excited when they pull up to the daycare and don’t want to leave. One little boy told me ‘This is an awesome daycare!’.”
Reflecting on the first week Nielsen said she was proud of the work done by ECE Sonya and ECE assistant Caroline.
“They have been exceptional during this week of new adjustments, getting to know the children and implementing routines. They work together very well as a cohesive team.
“I feel like I am back where I am supposed to be, I love my time I am able to spend with the children and wholeheartedly enjoy feeling as though I am a part of my community again providing crucial services to our families and contributing to society’s future by educating and facilitating growth in our most precious resource, children, that our future relies on.”
So far the dramatic play centre featuring a diner kitchen has been a hit with kids and parents have said they are impressed with the space and how clean it is.
“We have had comments from other community members about how great it is to finally see this space being used, to see children playing on the playground and I have especially enjoyed the sounds of laughter, singing and fun coming from the Kootenay Room,” Nielsen said.
The centre has also implemented the HiMama app to communicate with parents throughout the day, sending photos and updates in real time to show what they are up to at the centre.