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.
Halima Shikh
I signed up for as many waitlists as I could, but I was only offered part-time placements. Not having full-time childcare has meant that my schooling has taken much longer, and I’ve struggled in my classes because I haven’t had quiet study time.
Halima Shikh,
Student Parent, ºù«Ӱҵ Vernon Campus
Lloyd Davies​
Time and again, ​I would have students missing class, missing labs, missing exams because they were struggling to get affordable, reliable, childcare. It was an ongoing issue for students who had young children."​
​Lloyd Davies​
​Leadership Donor and ​Former ºù«Ӱҵ Instructor
Megean Dahms
I signed up for fourteen childcare waitlists, and it still took years to get my daughter into daycare.
Megean Dahms, Student Parent,
ºù«Ӱҵ Vernon Campus.
Sarina Parsons
I’ve really struggled to find good, licensed childcare for my daughter. She’s my everything. I’d almost rather not go to school than go and worry she’s not being properly cared for.
Sarina Parsons, Student Parent,
ºù«Ӱҵ Vernon Campus
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.
Quality, affordable care
44 spaces​
- 20 3-5 years ​
- 24 Infant ​
- Priority for ºù«Ӱҵ students ​and staff
Indoor space
- 4717 sq ft​
- Private entrance and parent drop off
The gift of outdoor play
- Flower petal design​
- Shaded and open activity areas​
- Linked to Indigenous garden​
- 50% of time spent outdoors ​
​Operated by Maven Lane ​
- Non-profit, respected local provider ​
- 550 local children in their care ​
- Excellent care for children from all communities​
Helen Jackman
Executive Director,
ºù«Ӱҵ Foundation
hjackman@okanagan.bc.ca
250-215-6029
Sasha Carter
Development Officer,
ºù«Ӱҵ Foundation
scarter@okanagan.bc.ca
250-469-1594
Michael Tindall
Chair, Sunflower Childcare
Campaign Fundraising Committee
bwgrp@shaw.ca
250-309-1969
