Standing proudly close to the Beecher Bay First Nations band office is a brand spanking new daycare centre… Linda Mellish is the day/after-school care centre’s manager and is excited about the impending move to the new premises.

“I’m really excited and the community is excited and looking forward to children from East Sooke and Metchosin coming,” said Mellish.

The building was funded through a grant from the province and money from the Coast Salish Employment Society.

The new centre will be licensed for up to 16 children and all of the staff will have their Early Childhood Education accreditation. There are hopes of having a small community garden where the kids can plant and harvest vegetables, and a natural play space in a new playground. As well Lee Charles, a band elder, is teaching the children the traditional language of the area…

The Beecher Bay band is small with 220 members, many living off reserve, but the need is there for drop-in programs, after school care, and daycare for preschool children and toddlers. The centre is not just for band member’s children, it will be open to anyone with a need for childcare. Mellish says kids do not need to attend for a full day, they can come just to get together with other children to learn to socialize before they start school.

“There is such a shortage of child care spaces in Victoria,” said Mellish. “There is an option for something I’m really proud of.”