A new French-language child care centre has opened its doors in Âé¶čAV, bringing more support to local Francophone families and strengthening early education in the region.
Les libellules (The Dragonflies) child care centre is run by le Phare C.-B., an organization under the Fédération des parents francophones de Colombie-Britannique. The centre began operating in December 2023, then moved into a brand-new facility in August 2024.
It offers a nursery for children aged 15 to 30 months, child care for those aged 30 months to five years, and school-age care for students at lâĂ©cole de lâAnse-au-sable. The project was developed in partnership with the Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique (CSF) and received funding from the B.C. governmentâs ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund.
For parent Lucie Perroudon, the centre is a life saver.
âItâs very had to get a spot anywhereâitâs a long waiting list,â she said. âIn French, it did not exist before.â
Perroudonâs five year old daughter was previously enrolled a French immersion program in West Âé¶čAV, but it was only offered two days a week, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
âWhen we found out there was a full day care we were very excited. Itâs amazingâthe staff is amazing.â
Mayor Tom Dyas, and Âé¶čAV-Mission MLA Gavin Dew were also on hand for the ribbon cutting.
âAs we know childcare for many families is essential,â Days said. âWhen it is accessible, affordable and when it is culturally connectedâas it is hereâit opens up doors.â
Dew pointed out that childcare is a crucial economic enabler, especially for women being able to be part of the work force.
âWe see the economic multipliers on being able to make sure childcare is availableâwe see the difference that it makes for families,â he added.
B.C.'s Parliamentary Secretary for Child Care, Rohini Arora, noted that providing children access to their community's culture and language so important for their development and well being.
âÂé¶čAV's thriving francophone community will benefit for years to come thanks to the opening of this new French-speaking child care centre,â she said.
Les libellules is one of 13 child care centres managed by le Phare C.-B., which is working to expand access to Francophone child care across the province. The goal is to support language development from a young age and help preserve French in minority-language communities like Âé¶čAV.
âLes libellules child care centre supports parents in their mission to transmit French language and Francophone culture to their children, and provides a suitable environment for the strengthening and growth of the region's Francophone community,â said Christian Leclerc, president of the FĂ©dĂ©ration des parents francophones de Colombie-Britannique.
To attend Les libellules, at least one parent must be a ârights holder,â meaning they meet the legal criteria for having their child educated in a CSF school.
More information about eligibility is available on the .
