Department Staff
| Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jennifer Friesen | District Principal of Early Learning & Child Care | 250-260-4490 | jfriesen@sd22.bc.ca |
| Kim Erven-Culler | Vice-Principal of Early Learning & Child Care | 250-260-4490 | kerven-culler@sd22.bc.ca |
| Crystal MacKay | Manager of Child Care | 250-260-4490 | cmackay@sd22.bc.ca |
| Lindsey Byers | Manager of Child Care | 250-260-4490 | lbyers@sd22.bc.ca |
| Tanya Barnard | District Secretary | 250-260-4490 | earlylearning@sd22.bc.ca |
About
Department Overview
We support the creation of rich and joyful early childhood programs and spaces where we work collaboratively to inspire and nurture young children to thrive in their growth & development, learning, relationships, and community. We are focused on enhancing early learning experiences by providing high-quality early learning and child care programs for children birth to age 8. Believing in the strength of community, we strive for excellence as we serve children, families, and educators. Strong relationships matter to us and we build networks across our community both locally and provincially to help ensure that all children reach their potential.
Early Learning & Child Care Department Guiding Principles
The BC Early Learning Framework guides and supports the work we do to support Student Success, Leadership Excellence, and Community Connections in programs that serve children birth to age 8.
We believe:
- Children are strong, capable in their uniqueness, and full of potential.
- Families have the most important role in contributing to children's well-being and learning.
- Educators are researchers and collaborators.
- Early years spaces are inclusive.
- People build connection and reconnection to land, culture, community, and place.
- Environments are integral to well-being and learning.
- Play is integral to well-being and learning.
- Relationships are the context for well-being and learning.
- Learning is holistic.
Student Success
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To provide many pathways for children to pursue and achieve desired outcomes, in the 2024/25 school year, the Early Learning & Child Care Department is focused on:
Improving literacy and numeracy
Enhancing early learning experiences
Closing the achievement gap
Leadership Excellence
keyboard_arrow_downTo empower all staff to contribute to organizational excellence in the service of student success, in the 2024/25 school year, the Early Learning & Child Care Department is focused on:
Improving organizational efficiency and effectiveness
Cultivating positive staff experiences, supporting professional growth and wellness
Enhancing evidence-based decision making
Increasing strategic engagement with internal and external partners.
Community Connections
keyboard_arrow_downTo build strong relationships amongst all community members in the service of student success, in the 2024/25 school year, the Early Learning & Child Care Department is focused on:
Committing to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action
Committing to the BC Human Rights Code - an environment free of racism, biases, and all forms of discrimination
Increasing collaboration between community, regional, and provincial partners