LRCCC has 144 child care spaces and runs programs for young people from infancy to 12 years of age. It was created as a co-operative to provide a non-profit, community-focussed solution to the urgent child care need in the area.

 SOCIAL, INTELLECTUAL AND PHYSICAL GROWTH

“Our goal is to provide a secure environment where children can grow socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually. Staff engage children in learning opportunities to develop their whole being and prepare them for life outside the co-op,” says LRCCC executive director, Daisy Kereluk.

LRCCC follows the province’s early learning program guide and employs 22 staff including 19 early childhood educators (ECE). The co-op is a licensed child care centre, which means that its members are eligible for government subsidies.

The co-op also provides before- and after-school care and during school closures. For families in urgent need, LRCC provides drop-in services as space allows.

 DOLLARS AND CENTS

LRCCC charges members a one-time $5.00 membership fee. The majority of its funding comes from parent fees and fundraising. Government funding makes up the remainder.

There are no other licensed child care centres in town and the next closest centre is more than two hours away. LRCCC maintains a waiting list almost six pages long, and families can experience a two to three year delay in La Ronge.

 BY THE NUMBERS

114        Child care spaces
22          Staff members
2            Locations
5            Membership fee, in dollars
0            Number of other licensed day care centres in La Ronge

 WHAT’S NEXT?

The co-op is in the early stages of creating a community survey and a business plan so it can approach the Ministry of Education to fund a new location and additional child care spaces. LRCCC is also looking at expanding its daily hours of operation to include weekends or evenings.

The need for affordable, professional child care in central Saskatchewan continues to grow. As it has for more than four decades, La Ronge Child Care Co-operative will continue to provide the children of its members with quality education, and the tools and confidence they’ll need to succeed.

Visit their Facebook page to learn more.