Parkcrest Elementary School. (CFJC File Photo)

By Victor Kaisar

Parkcrest Daycare

YMCA BC to operate new daycare at Parkcrest Elementary School

Jun 1, 2025 | 12:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — The YMCA of British Columbia (YMCA BC) will operate a new 28 space day care at Parkcrest Elementary School, which is scheduled to open its doors this September.

The Kamloops-Thompson School District (SD73) says the new spaces will be for children under the age of five. Its opening comes one year after the rebuilt Parkcrest Elementary School opened its doors to students.

SD73’s Director of Communications, Chelsea Isenor, told CFJC Today that the design for the rebuilt school always included a neighbourhood learning centre that could be used for child care to benefit the community.

“Separate from YMCA Child Care spaces at Parkcrest, the school district manages 24 school-aged before and after school spaces that have already been running at Parkcrest Elementary, which currently has a waitlist to join,” Isenor said.

Isenor also said YMCA BC was picked as the operator for the new spaces following an RFP process.

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“YMCA BC already has a strong partnership with the Kamloops-Thompson School District, offering after-school care at Rayleigh Elementary,” an SD73 statement said.

“With proven experience in providing quality child care services, YMCA Child Care provides safe and welcoming environments where children can stretch their skills in mind and body while building positive relationships with caring adults.”

Isenor said SD73 and YMCA BC are in the process of finalizing the lease and grand opening plans for the new day care, which will operate from Monday to Friday between 7:45 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.. The new spaces are expected to be available as of Sept. 2.

“Parents and guardians who are interested in accessing child care at Parkcrest Elementary, must register through the YMCA, as they are the operators of the early years programs at this location, separate from our District,” SD73 added in its statement.

To “ensure a fair and transparent registration process,” all families who join the waitlist between June 9 and 23 will be put into a lottery to determine the waitlist order. Those who join after June 23 will be added on a first-come, first-served basis.

“This approach allows all families time to receive the information and participate equitably,” SD73 said. “Registration forms will be provided to parents once they are offered a space in the program.”

People who have questions are being asked to email the YMCA BC. More information regarding YMCA Child Care can be found in the here.