Key Childcare Resources
There are many sources of support for child care providers, municipalities and anyone interested in becoming an early childcare educator (ECE) or supporting the child care sector. In addition to exploring the links below, please feel free to contact us with any questions. Child care resource and referral (CCRR) centres are the go-to support for parents and child care providers. Each School District has a CCRR to serve childcare providers and families in their communities. The Southeast Kootenay CCRR serves School District 5 and Golden CCRR services School District 6.1.
The Kootenay Childcare Initiative ensures that the Kootenay childcare sector is resilient and well-equipped to provide high-quality care for our children—now and into the future. The project provides:
– Business coaching, mentoring and training for licensed childcare providers and
– Recruitment support and expertise: to fill new or vacant positions.
Available Business Supports
All licensed childcare providers in the East Kootenay region can apply to receive these supports until the initiative finishes in March 2027.
- Business Supports for Childcare Providers in the Kootenay Region
- Stepping Stones Childcare Planning Guide for Local Government
- Supports from Provincial Government to Open or Expand a Childcare Centre
- Information for Early Childhood Educators
- Supports in the East Kootenay region to help you become an ECE
The East Kootenay ECE Roundtable meets every 2 months to share work happening across the region. You can view the write-ups from the past two meetings here:
May 2026 | January 2026 If you are interested in joining this sharing roundtable, then please contact Robyn Peel, Community Economic Development Manager.
The 2024 Kootenay Childcare Study aimed to understand the business needs and challenges of childcare providers in the Kootenay region. There are many reports and information from this study that can be viewed here.