Slocan Valley Early Childhood Community Advisory Council

Our Vision:
A spirited community that supports and improves the health, well-being and inter-connectedness of young children and their families in the southern Slocan Valley.

Introduction

The Slocan Valley Early Childhood Community Advisory Council (SVECCAC) is a voluntary association of parents, agency representatives, advocates and service providers that works together to support the well-being of young children and their families in the southern Slocan Valley. The SVECCAC plays a vital role in bringing forward the voice of the early childhood sector, and providing advice and expertise to local governments, school districts, funders and other initiatives.

OUR MISSION

Our central purpose is to build networks of connection, to coordinate and improve services and service delivery for young children and families living in the southern Slocan Valley.

We will build on existing community strengths and assets in order to:

Increase awareness of existing programs and services
Identify gaps in programs and services
Support business, community and individual initiatives that will improve and expand programs and services

Upcoming Events

Winlaw StrongStart Centre

The Winlaw StrongStart Centre is pleased to announce that its doors are now open! The Centre is located in Winlaw School at 5604 Winlaw Bridge Road. Our qualified staff are trained Early Childhood Educators, and they are there to welcome preschool age children (0 to 5) and their caregivers for a fun, free, drop-in session which will include circle time, songs, stories, games, gym time, art activities, free play time, and healthy snack each day. (Parents/caregivers must attend with child.)

Hours of Operation:
Mondays – 12:30 to 3:30 pm
Tuesdays – 3:00 to 6:00 pm
Wednesdays – 9:00 am to noon
Fridays – 9:00 am to noon
Saturdays – 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Closed for school holidays

Parents/caregivers will need to bring their child’s birth certificate along on the first day for registration. Indoor shoes and a water bottle are also a good idea. For more information call: Lindsay P. at 250-226-7841 or Sharon N. at 250-359-7081.

This initiative is funded by the BC Ministry of Education, and supported by School District #8 and the W.E. Graham Community Services Society

Slocan Park Tot’s Group

starts Oct. 7, from 10:00 am to noon at the Slocan Park Hall. For pre-schoolers and parents, there will be circle time, crafts, music and a great way for parents and kids to connect. This program is free. Call 226-0008 for info.

Networks for New Parents

Join us for Networks for New Parents - a monthly event to connect parents of young children with resources, services and other families! Coffee, tea and juice, toy/book/clothing exchange, guest speakers, lunch, craft ideas, resource information, meeting other parents & babies, and more. Toddlers also welcome. No charge to attend, but pre-registration is recommended. Come at any time, stay as long as you like. Next one: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11 at the Slocan Valley Threads Guild (just off the highway, 6km north of Winlaw) 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Easy, Affordable Activity Ideas

Recipe for Home Made Play Dough

1 cup of flour
½ cup of salt
1 Tablespoon of cream of tartar
1 cup of water
2 teaspoons of vegetable oil
Several drops of food colouring

Mix dry ingredients together in a large frying pan or saucepan. Combine wet ingredients in a measuring cup.

Turn the heat on low, and add wet ingredients to dry, stirring well. Cook over low heat, stirring often, until mixture thickens and turns “rubbery”. Remove from heat, allow to cool slightly, and then knead until smooth.

This cooked play dough recipe results in a smooth textured dough that will keep for several weeks in the refrigerator in a sealed plastic bag or container.

Council Members include

Parents
W.E.Graham Community Service Society
Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy
Valhalla Children's Centre
Appledale Children's Centre
Brent Kennedy Learning Centre
Wee Ones Children's Centre
WE Graham School
Winlaw School
Brent Kennedy School
The Whole School
Children First, Success by 6, Understanding the Early Years Regional Initiative
West Kootenay Aboriginal Infant Development
Aboriginal Supported Child Development Programs

West Kootenay Boundary Supported Child Development

BECOME A MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL

PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS, and CARETAKERS ARE WELCOME!

Call Chairperson Chris Nichol for information: 250-355-0032.

ENJOY GATHERING with other parents and children, hear about events and things.

LET US KNOW WHAT YOU WANT AND NEED FOR FAMILY SUPPORT AND EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES

Call coordinator: 226-6979
or to EMAIL CLICK HERE