Sunflower and photo collage background for display

Sunflower Childcare Centre

Helping students and their families bloom

Answering the urgent call for childcare

The critical shortage of childcare spaces in the North Okanagan, and the lack of affordability of care can prevent parents from pursuing higher education.

To address these issues, Okanagan College is building the Sunflower Childcare Centre / smúkwaʔxn̓ scəcəmalla itskn snmaʔmayaʔtn on our Vernon Campus.The new 44-seat Centre will offer affordable childcare through programs like the $10-a-Day childcare initiative or the Child Care Fee Reduction initiative.

Okanagan College Foundation has already raised over $2 million for the Centre and is now inviting the community to help raise the remaining $750,000 required to equip this beautiful centre with furnishings, supplies, and a creative outdoor space where the kids can play and learn.

To speak to a member of the Sunflower Childcare Campaign Team please call 250 - 862 - 5630 or email scarter@okanagan.bc.ca

Cheques can be  mailed to 1000 KLO Road, Kelowna, BC, V1Y4X8

Plant a Seed Day Fundraiser

Donate in May and double your impact! Thanks to generous community donors, $80,000 in gifts will be matched dollar for dollar!

Join us for a fun-filled day in support of the Sunflower Childcare Centre and help sow the seeds of success for student parents, their families, and our community!

May 10th

9 am - 2 pm (drop by anytime)

Okanagan College Vernon Campus

Sunflower themed art classes and yoga (taught by kids and student parents), a delicious lemonade crawl, good eats, and much much more!

51%

of parents are waitlisted for childcare services

2 years

average time spent on childcare waitlists

3 X

more likely to graduate with childcare

Impact

Click or tap through the carousel to read impact stories.

Impact on students

Access to high-quality childcare will allow parents to improve their lives by pursuing their educational goals. 

Impact on Community

The Centre will serve as a practicum site, providing opportunities for the North Okanagan’s next generation of Early Childhood Educators to receive high-quality, real-world education.

Impact on Children

Providing children with high-quality early childhood learning improves their social and emotional development and physical wellbeing. 

Sunflower Childcare Centre

What’s in a Name​

The Sunflower Childcare Centre / smúkʷaʔxn̓ scəcəmalla itskn snmaʔmayaʔtn was named by leadership donors Lloyd Davies and Janet Armstrong, who were inspired by the symbolism of sunflowers, in particular, the Okanagan Sunflower / smúkʷaʔxn a vibrant yellow wildflower that dots the hillside on Okanagan College’s Vernon Campus. This stunning location overlooks Kalamalka lake, has trails linking to Okanagan College’s Indigenous garden, and provides the perfect space for the Centre’s curated outdoor play areas.

Vernon Campus with Sunflowers

Quality, affordable care

44 spaces​

  • 32 3-5 years ​
  • 12 Infant ​
  • Before and after school care ​
  • Priority for OC students ​
Indoor space
  • 4717 sq ft​
  • 2 rooms 3-5 yrs, with areas for art, water play, quiet time, and naps​
  • 1 infant toddler room, with sleep room, climbing and crawling space & cozy area​
  • Private entrance and parent drop off 
Renderings of childcare centre

The gift of outdoor play

  • Flower petal design​
  • Shaded and open activity areas​
  • Linked to Indigenous garden​
  • 50% of time spent outdoors  ​
Renderings of childcare centre

​Operated by Maven Lane ​

 

  • Non-profit, respected local provider ​
  • 550 local children in their care ​
  • Excellent care for children from all communities​

​Affordable for parents - $10 per-day / Child Care Fee Reduction initiatives

Maven Lane Logo - border

Donor recognition

Gifts of $100,000 and above

Name one of the four main learning spaces

Gifts of $50,000 and above

Recognition in the main corridor.

Gift of $25,000 and above

Recognition in an indoor or outdoor learning space.

Gifts of $1,000 and above

Recognition on the donor wall.

Get in touch

We would be pleased to speak with you about how you can support student parents and their children at Okanagan College’s Vernon Campus.

Helen Jackman

Executive Director,
Okanagan College Foundation
hjackman@okanagan.bc.ca
250-215-6029

OC Foundation - Helen Jackman

Sasha Carter

Development Officer,
Okanagan College Foundation
scarter@okanagan.bc.ca
250-469-1594

Image of Sasha Carter

Michael Tindall

Chair, Sunflower Childcare
Campaign Fundraising Committee
bwgrp@shaw.ca
250-309-1969

Michael Tindall, wearing a suit jacket and blue button up shirt