Playcare Children’s Services Inc. expands
By Joan Janzen
There’s good news for parents needing childcare services for their children; Playcare Children’s Services in Kindersley is expanding! Their new facility, conveniently located at 43 - 5th Street Cres., will open in the fall.
The Early Years Branch of the Ministry of Education granted approval for the development of a second 30-space Early Learning and childcare program. This is wonderful news since the childcare program currently has a waiting list of over 100 children. The additional spaces will provide stability for parents of children aged 18 months through 12 years while parents work, volunteer or attend school.
“We will be hiring at least four Early childhood Educators to staff the 30 spaces,” Patty Brotzel Close, director, said. Providing employment opportunities within the community is another benefit derived from this expansion.
But there’s much work that needs to be done before they welcome the children this fall. “The renovations to the house have started this week,” Patty said. “Our volunteers are doing a demo day on Saturday (June 18) to do some tasks, but our contractor started Monday (June 13). Our volunteers will do as much as they are able to ... with being parents of young children and working at least part-time.”
Playcare is a registered charity with the federal government, overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of parents of the children enrolled in the program. Approval granted by the branch of the Ministry of Education provided some capital funding; however, it wasn’t enough to cover the purchase and renovations of their new location.
Playcare Children’s Services is hoping to fund a portion of the necessary amount through community and corporate donations. “We have set a fundraising goal of $50,000,” Patty said.
To help reach their goal, they have established sponsorship opportunities. Rose Sponsor ($5000 +), Tulip ($2500-$4999), Daffodil ($1000 - $2499), Petunia (up to $999) are part of the growing project. There are also specific opportunities for companies that may be interested. There are title sponsorships for the outside play structure, the entryway mud room, the new lunch room, and furniture and appliances. Every donation is gratefully accepted; a charitable receipt will be issued for donations over $20.
“We plan on having a grand opening and thank you event in the fall,” Patty said, to thank all the supporters who made this project a reality.
The new home for Playcare Children’s Services’ 30 additional spaces, is located at 43 - 5th Street Crescent in Kindersley.
PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN
