![Sunflower and photo collage background for display](/sites/default/files/styles/mobile_hero/public/2023-03/SunflowerYellow2Hero.png?h=ac7371ad&itok=o-fgGYAw)
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, ÎüʪÊÓƵ is building the Sunflower Childcare Centre / smúkwaÊ”xnÌ“ scÉ™cÉ™malla itskn snmaÊ”mayaÊ”tn on our Vernon Campus.
To inquire about getting on the wait list for this centre, visit .
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
51%
of parents are waitlisted for childcare services
2 years
average time spent on childcare waitlists
x3
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 / smúkÊ·aÊ”xnÌ“ scÉ™cÉ™malla itskn snmaÊ”mayaÊ”tn was named by leadership donors Lloyd Davies and Janet Armstrong, who were inspired by the symbolism of sunflowers, in particular, the Okanagan Sunflower / smúkÊ·aÊ”xn a vibrant yellow wildflower that dots the hillside on ÎüʪÊÓƵ’s Vernon Campus. This stunning location overlooks Kalamalka lake, has trails linking to ÎüʪÊÓƵ’s Indigenous garden, and provides the perfect space for the Centre’s curated outdoor play areas.
![Vernon Campus with Sunflowers](/sites/default/files/styles/mobile_landscape/public/2023-02/48366533291_3055b880bf_k.jpg?h=22484cbc&itok=IgfssKjv)
Quality, affordable care
44 spaces​
- 20 3-5 years ​
- 24 Infant ​
- Priority for OC students ​and staff
Indoor space
- 4717 sq ft​
- Private entrance and parent drop off
![2023-01-24_-_childcare_interior_rendering_2.jpg Renderings of childcare centre](/sites/default/files/styles/mobile_landscape/public/2023-03/2023-01-24_-_childcare_interior_rendering_2.jpg?h=8f74817f&itok=Ui86AkR-)
The gift of outdoor play
- Flower petal design​
- Shaded and open activity areas​
- Linked to Indigenous garden​
- 50% of time spent outdoors ​
![2023-01-20_-_children_playground_exterior_rendering.jpg Renderings of childcare centre](/sites/default/files/styles/mobile_landscape/public/2023-03/2023-01-20_-_children_playground_exterior_rendering.jpg?h=8f74817f&itok=ZG2zLebL)
​Operated by Maven Lane ​
- Non-profit, respected local provider ​
- 550 local children in their care ​
- Excellent care for children from all communities​
![Maven Lane Logo - border](/sites/default/files/styles/mobile_landscape/public/2023-04/Maven_Lane_Logo%20-%20wide%20border.jpg?h=b0d2ba3c&itok=QKYrHL8c)
Helen Jackman
Executive Director,
ÎüʪÊÓƵ Foundation
hjackman@okanagan.bc.ca
250-215-6029
![OC Foundation - Helen Jackman](/sites/default/files/styles/mobile_portrait/public/2020-10/helen1web.jpg?h=c2815561&itok=0ElTbTpv)
Sasha Carter
Development Officer,
ÎüʪÊÓƵ Foundation
scarter@okanagan.bc.ca
250-469-1594
![Image of Sasha Carter](/sites/default/files/styles/mobile_portrait/public/2021-09/SashaCarter2.jpg?h=612721e6&itok=gwUVn-S9)
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](/sites/default/files/styles/mobile_portrait/public/2023-03/Michael-Tindall.jpg?h=5298ca5b&itok=npMU038b)