Since 1991, the Khalsa Childcare Centre, located at 6999 124 Street, has been a fixture of the Surrey community, preparing local children for success at school and beyond.
Earlier this week the centre was honoured with a 2018 Child Care Award of Excellence from the B.C. government.
“Child care providers are the heart of our child care system and make a life-long difference to the kids they serve,” said Katrina Chen, Minister of State for Child Care. “The fact that parents who once attended the centre are returning with their own children speaks volumes to the continued quality programming and dedicated staff, and is why they are so deserving of this award.”
Children have a varied learning program, with arts and crafts, science experiments and language learning all as regular activities. The centre encourages children to get out of the classroom to learn about the world around them, and often join in with school events, or take field trips to the zoo, farm or library. Community helpers like police and firefighters and health-care professionals regularly visit the centre to share their knowledge and teach the children life and safety skills.
Although the centre’s values are derived from Sikhism, it is open to children from any background. The centre works to support low-income families, offering discounts to those who would otherwise be unable to afford child care.
“Staff at Surrey’s Khalsa Childcare Centre work closely with community organizations, including the primary and elementary schools that are next door, to create an exciting learning environment for local kids,” said Harry Bains, MLA for Surrey-Newton. “This early exposure to the school environment helps to prepare children for success once they start school.”
Quick Facts:
* The Khalsa Childcare Centre is one of four child care providers in British Columbia that have been selected to receive 2018 Child Care Awards of Excellence in the Provincial category.
* The Provincial award recognizes early learning and care professionals (ECL) or teams who work in child care settings throughout the province and demonstrate excellence in at least one of the following areas:
* working collaboratively with others,
* creating cultural safety through culturally competent practice and inclusion of Indigenous language, culture and traditions,
* ensuring inclusion/encouraging diversity,
* supporting community efforts,
* continuous improvement/excellence in early learning.
* The Child Care Awards of Excellence recognize the exceptional contributions that early childhood educators, licensed child care providers, organizations and local governments make throughout British Columbia.
* Award recipients were nominated by peers, parents and local governments.
* The ministry received 66 nominations for this year’s awards.
* The Khalsa Childcare Centre provides 250 licensed child care spaces for children aged 36 months to five years.
* With five locations across Surrey, the centre has supported local families for more than 30 years.