Province Honours Outstanding Child-care Providers

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
2009CFD0006-000307
March 7, 2009

Ministry of Children and Family Development

VANCOUVER – Twelve of British Columbia’s finest child-care providers and two licensed child-care centres were honoured today for their outstanding contributions to child care across the province by Minister of State for Child Care Linda Reid.“These awards honour the contributions of remarkable child-care providers who have demonstrated their excellence and dedication to the children in their care,” said Minister Reid. “I am delighted to recognize these extraordinary individuals who contribute so much to the healthy development of children and families.”

The Child Care Awards of Excellence honour outstanding child-care providers who make exceptional contributions to the development and growth of children in British Columbia.

The Child Care Legacy Awards recognize and honour licensed child-care programs in British Columbia that have been in operation for more than 40 years.

The selection criteria for the Child Care Awards of Excellence were based on the nominee’s achievements in four areas: supporting child development; supporting diversity; involving parents, families and communities; and commitment to, and leadership in, the child-care sector. This year, two recipients – The Cridge Centre for the Family in Victoria and UBC Child Care Services – were recognized with a Legacy Award.

“There is no question that each of these recipients has made a lasting impact on the children and families they serve, their colleagues, and their communities,” added Reid. “They are all inspiring leaders in their field and a marvellous example of the dedication and professionalism of B.C.s child-care providers.”

The B.C. government is committed to supporting sustainable and high quality child care across the province. Today, the government provides operating funding for approximately 90,000 licensed child-care spaces in British Columbia – an increase of more than 40 per cent since 2002-03.

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1 backgrounder(s) attached.

Media contact:

Shae Greenfield
Ministry of Children and Family Development
250 356-2939
250 361-6549 (Cell)