
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 250-762-5445 local 4772 or email scarter@okanagan.bc.ca
Cheques can be mailed to 1000 KLO Road, Kelowna, BC, V1Y4X8
On this page
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 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.
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.

Quality, affordable care
44 spaces
- 32 3-5 years
- 12 Infant
- Before and after school care
- Priority for OC students
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

The gift of outdoor play
- Flower petal design
- Shaded and open activity areas
- Linked to Indigenous garden
- 50% of time spent outdoors
Indoor spaces
- 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

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

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

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