Children’s centre doors open
Whistler Question
Feb 21
By: Kim Thompson

Little voices and laughter can be heard in the newly opened Pemberton Children’s Centre, a prime example of what volunteers can achieve.

The effort of volunteers has resulted in a $1.2 million facility that has risen along Cottonwood Street, near the entrance to the community. The new facility now serves children as young as 11 months, with space for some 45 children.

“Now Pemberton residents have a choice in terms of child care,” said Stephanie Couglin, Pemberton Childcare Society chair. “This has been a community project from start to finish and it’s pretty gratifying to see this facility in operation. It’s all based on community and volunteer work, which is pretty outstanding.”

The society provided push behind the new facility. Formed as a non-profit organization in 2001 with the goal of creating a modern, stand-alone daycare facility, the society received $500,000 from the Ministry of Children and Families, $289,000 from the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation and other money from business and private donations.

“Having the support of the community has been integral,” Coughlin said. “This is so needed in our community because every other person is pushing a baby buggy. It is great to see something new and thriving.”

Every program has a waiting list and Coughlin admits the next challenge is finding staff. She said the society is looking at recent Early Childhood Education graduates from the Lower Mainland. The goal is to recruit workers to live and work in Pemberton.

“We are still looking for more teaching staff so we can take children off our waiting list,” Coughlin said. “Still, we have our infant program running and our children’s program going five days a week.”…

The facility is state of the art and Coughlin said many elements were created or borrowed from other facilities. The one-floor format allows for easy transition between ages and gives the centre a welcoming feel.

Fundraising efforts have not stopped for the Pemberton Childcare Society. ….