Keely Freeman (right) was given the Emerging Leader award from the province for efforts to promote better care and learning for kids 5 and under. (submitted/BC NDP)

By Spencer Sterritt

emerging leader

Nanaimo daycare earns provincial award for forward-thinking ideals

May 27, 2021 | 5:29 AM

NANAIMO — A team effort to provide the best learning experience for kids up to the age of five has led to a provincial honour.

Keely Freeman, founder of the Nanaimo Innovation Academy, earned the Emerging Leader award from the ministry of child and family development.

“It’s a great recognition of all we’re doing at the daycare,” Freeman told NanaimoNewsNOW. “I don’t see it as an award I got, I see it as an award everyone on my team contributed to.”

Since opening three years ago when she was pregnant with her second child, Freeman said she’s focused on creating a stable and welcoming environment for both children and staff.

“Providing staff with an ideal work environment, especially in daycares, is key to having a high-quality program. Kids overall feel the benefits because staff are less stressed, there’s more support and more time to make connections with the kids. Relationship building is the key to child care.”

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Freeman said they operate with lower staff to student ratios than mandated by Island Health, meaning staff can focus on a smaller group of children. The Nanaimo Innovation Academy was also certified as a living-wage employer and Freeman committed to paying her staff $30 an hour within a few years.

“The brain develops the most in the first five years of a humans life. To not put emphasis on what we’re doing in this time period is a misstep. If anything, more focus and support needs to be provided in this crucial period.”

The Nanaimo Innovation Academy is also involved in supporting ECE students through a partnership with VIU, introducing kids to south Nanaimo’s Five Acre Farm and built a free library in their parking lot.

Freeman was one of four recipients of an award from the ministry.

The Child Care Awards of Excellence are awarded every two years.

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spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @SpencerSterritt