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First city-owned early childhood development hub sprouts up in Capstan Village

The facility at 3368 Carscallen Road began operations in January, 2022, but it officially opened on May 30th.
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Sprouts EDC Hub officially opened earlier this week on May 30. Taesun Kim (False Creek Design), Kevin Ching (Child Care Development Advisory Committee), Pascal Yammine (Pinnacle International), Grace Kwok (Anson Realty), Jim Toy (False Creek Design), Chantelle Pereira (Child Care Development Advisory Committee), Councillor Andy Hobbs, Councillor Alexa Loo, Amanda Coates (YMCA of Greater Vancouver), Mayor Malcolm Brodie, and Councillor Bill McNulty posed for a photo at the facility.

Sprouts Early Childhood Development (ECD) Hub is located next to Capstan Neighbourhood Park by No. 3 Road, and it’s the first of its kind.

The facility provides 92 licensed child care spaces for infants, toddlers, and children up to 12 years old, as well as space for community-based family strengthening and support programs. The 24,597 sq. ft. location also has a toy and resource library, a commercial kitchen, and an outdoor amenity space.

Sprouts ECD Hub is operated by YMCA of Greater Vancouver, which has received $98,000 from B.C.’s New Spaces Fund to purchase furniture and equipment for the facility.

“The YMCA is thrilled to continue its partnership with the City of Richmond and Province of BC to help bring more valuable child care services to the families in this community,” said Cathy Poole, the vice president of children and youth services at YMCA of Greater Vancouver.

“As the proud operator of the child care centre at Sprouts Early Childhood Development Hub, our professional and passionate child care educators are excited to support more families, and provide their children with a safe, engaging environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive.”

There are currently 583 licensed child care spaces provided through 10 city-owned child care facilities and two ECD hubs, and an additional city-owned child care facility is expected to complete construction later this year.

Child care spaces in Richmond are in high demand but a shortage continues to be seen.

According to a report published by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives in April, the city ranks second to Toronto for the most expensive toddler and pre-school aged child care fees in the country.

“This is terrific news for Richmond families who will benefit from this new centrally located, innovative Sprouts Early Childhood Development Hub that includes 92 licensed child care spaces,” said Katrina Chen, Minister of State for Child Care.

“This partnership demonstrates how we are achieving our ChildCareBC plan together to make child care a core service available to any family that wants it, when they need it, at a price they can afford. Since 2018, we’ve funded 1,408 new licensed childcare spaces at 32 child care centres in Richmond.”

Sprouts ECD Hub is currently accepting child care applications and enrolment is available for infants and toddlers, three to five year olds, and school age children attending Talmey Elementary School.