ºù«Ӱҵ

Sunflower and photo collage background for display

Sunflower Childcare Centre

Helping students and their families bloom

Answering the urgent call for childcare

The critical shortage of childcare spaces in the North Okanagan, and the lack of affordability of care can prevent parents from pursuing higher education.

To address these issues, ºù«Ӱҵ is building the Sunflower Childcare Centre / smúkwaÊ”xnÌ“ scÉ™cÉ™malla itskn snmaÊ”mayaÊ”tn on our Vernon Campus. 

To inquire about getting on the wait list for this centre, visit .

To speak to a member of the Sunflower Childcare Campaign Team please call 250 - 862 - 5630 or email scarter@okanagan.bc.ca

Cheques can be  mailed to 1000 KLO Road, Kelowna, BC, V1Y4X8

51%

of parents are waitlisted for childcare services

2 years

average time spent on childcare waitlists

x3

more likely to graduate with childcare

Impact

Click or tap through the carousel to read impact stories.

Impact on students

Access to high-quality childcare will allow parents to improve their lives by pursuing their educational goals. 

Impact on Community

The Centre will serve as a practicum site, providing opportunities for the North Okanagan’s next generation of Early Childhood Educators to receive high-quality, real-world education.

Impact on Children

Providing children with high-quality early childhood learning improves their social and emotional development and physical wellbeing. 

Sunflower Childcare Centre

What’s in a Name​

The Sunflower Childcare Centre / smúkÊ·aÊ”xnÌ“ scÉ™cÉ™malla itskn snmaÊ”mayaÊ”tn was named by leadership donors Lloyd Davies and Janet Armstrong, who were inspired by the symbolism of sunflowers, in particular, the Okanagan Sunflower / smúkÊ·aÊ”xn a vibrant yellow wildflower that dots the hillside on ºù«Ӱҵ’s Vernon Campus. This stunning location overlooks Kalamalka lake, has trails linking to ºù«Ӱҵ’s Indigenous garden, and provides the perfect space for the Centre’s curated outdoor play areas.

Vernon Campus with Sunflowers

Quality, affordable care

44 spaces​

  • 20 3-5 years â€‹
  • 24 Infant â€‹
  • Priority for ºù«Ӱҵ students â€‹and staff
Indoor space
  • 4717 sq ft​
  • Private entrance and parent drop off 
Renderings of childcare centre

The gift of outdoor play

  • Flower petal design​
  • Shaded and open activity areas​
  • Linked to Indigenous garden​
  • 50% of time spent outdoors  â€‹
Renderings of childcare centre

​Operated by Maven Lane ​

 

  • Non-profit, respected local provider â€‹
  • 550 local children in their care â€‹
  • Excellent care for children from all communities​
Maven Lane Logo - border

Donor recognition

Gifts of $100,000 and above

Name one of the four main learning spaces

Gifts of $50,000 and above

Recognition in the main corridor.

Gift of $25,000 and above

Recognition in an indoor or outdoor learning space.

Gifts of $1,000 and above

Recognition on the donor wall.

Get in touch

We would be pleased to speak with you about how you can support student parents and their children at ºù«Ӱҵ’s Vernon Campus.

Helen Jackman

Executive Director,
ºù«Ӱҵ Foundation
hjackman@okanagan.bc.ca
250-215-6029

ºù«Ӱҵ Foundation - Helen Jackman

Sasha Carter

Development Officer,
ºù«Ӱҵ Foundation
scarter@okanagan.bc.ca
250-469-1594

Image of Sasha Carter

Michael Tindall

Chair, Sunflower Childcare
Campaign Fundraising Committee
bwgrp@shaw.ca
250-309-1969

Michael Tindall, wearing a suit jacket and blue button up shirt