About the project
Building our communities for long term success
The Kootenay Childcare Initiative is a comprehensive two-year program dedicated to strengthening childcare services across the beautiful Kootenay region of British Columbia. Funded by the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP), this initiative recognizes that childcare is an essential community function — one that supports families, enables workforce participation, and drives economic growth in our rural communities.
Our local mission
We’re working to build the resiliency and sustainability of the childcare sector in the Kootenays by
01
Recruiting passionate Early Childhood Educators
to join our thriving mountain communities
02
Supporting childcare business development
through expert coaching and guidance
03
Building sustainable childcare infrastructure
that serves our region for generations to come
Why this initative matters
The Kootenay region is experiencing remarkable growth. Communities like Fernie have seen 17.1% population growth, Invermere has grown 15.5%. With this growth comes an urgent need for quality childcare services.
Our initiative directly addresses the critical gap between growing families, regional population expansion and ensuring families have the support they need to thrive in our beautiful region.
This project serves childcare operators located within the Kootenays. We will initially be featuring communities that have been approved for the New Spaces funding through the Province of British Columbia. If you would like to have your community featured, click the button below and get in touch!
Our two pillar approach
01
Early childhood educator recruitment
We’re actively seeking dedicated professionals to join our region’s childcare workforce. With an estimated 120 new ECEs needed over the next five years to open all newly funded spaces, positions in the Kootenays offer:
The opportunity to be a part of community and make a lasting impact
Work with like-minded colleagues
Career growth and advancement opportunities
Regional supports that allow for additional benefits to working with Childcare centres in the Kootenays
02
Childcare Business Development
Expert coaches support licensed childcare centres:
Expanding centres growing their capacity and services
At-risk centres receiving targeted support to become viable and sustainable
In partnership with
Kootenay Employment Services
PRIMARY CONTRACTOR
Kootenay Employment Services brings extensive experience in workforce development and community economic initiatives.
Community Futures Central Kootenay
RECRUITMENT SERVICES
Community Futures Central Kootenay partners with Kootenay Talent + Recruitment to attract and support Early Childhood Educators.
Community Futures East Kootenay
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT
Community Futures East Kootenay provides expert coaching and business support services to childcare operators and professionals.
Funding for the project is provided by
