NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release 2008CFD0038-001349 Sept. 6, 2008	Ministry of Children and Family Development
37 NEW CHILD-CARE SPACES OPEN IN RICHMOND

RICHMOND – The Alderwood House School celebrated its official opening today with Minister of State for Child Care and Richmond East MLA Linda Reid in attendance as the official ribbon-cutter.

 

            “I’m pleased to be here today as the Alderwood House School opens its doors to the residents of Richmond,” said Reid. “Our government is committed to providing access for all British Columbians to quality, licensed child-care spaces, and the 37 new child-care spaces that Alderwood House School is providing to this community help us achieve that goal.”

 

In the fall of 2007, the Ministry of Children and Family Development announced $12.5 million in major capital funding to support the creation of licensed child-care spaces. Alderwood House School received more than $69,000 of that funding. The new school is home to 25 pre-kindergarten and 12 toddler spaces and specializes in the Reggio philosophy, offering parents in Richmond another choice in early education and care for their child.

 

            “The Reggio philosophy believes that children are born as competent individuals who are capable of exploring the world and constructing their own knowledge,” said Pamela Wallberg, school directress of the Alderwood House School. “I’m very grateful to the Province for providing the funding necessary to open this new child-care facility, allowing me to turn my dream into a reality for the community of Richmond.”

 

            The school is surrounded by a park-like setting, fruit trees, child-sized hills and a piazza for children to enjoy. Children have access to a wide range of materials to learn from, including computers, cameras and an art room. Inside, the school is outfitted with primarily wooden or natural materials and is designed to feel like home.

 

            “Alderwood House School is filling a need in this community for quality child care spaces,” added Reid. “We’re proud to be able to support individuals such as Ms. Wallberg as they in turn support, care for, and educate the children of British Columbia.”

 

            In the last year alone, capital funding has supported the creation of more than 2,000 licensed child-care spaces throughout B.C. The Province of British Columbia is investing close to $300 million on child-care programs and services this year.

 

For more information on additional child-care initiatives, visit www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare.
-30-

Media contact:	Shae Greenfield Public Affairs Officer 250 356-2939 250 361-6549 (cell)
For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.