New daycare partnership announced in Fort St. John

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A new daycare partnership has been announced to provide high-quality and accessible child care services to local residents.

The Fort St. John Friendship Society announced its new partnership with Northern Baby Bear Daycare in a June 19th Facebook post. 

According to the post, representatives of both organizations are excited about the partnership and “look forward to many years of collaboration and shared success.” 

“This transition reflects a shared commitment to providing high-quality, culturally inclusive and accessible childcare services for local families,” said the post. 

As part of the arrangement, Keeginaw Preschool, which is run by the friendship society, will now be operated by the daycare.

“Northern Baby Bear Daycare is a licensed childcare provider offering high-quality care for infants, toddlers and preschool-aged children,” said the post.

“[The daycare] remains committed to ensuring a smooth process for families looking to enroll and further details about registration and programming will be shared with the community in the coming weeks.”

Lindsey Ketler, the daycare’s director, said the preschool will be rebranded as the “Northern Baby Bear Daycare” and will offer 16 additional childcare spaces and qualified educators.

“It’s not just you get the job and then you kind of coast, it’s about how you are making a difference in these kids’ lives,” said Ketler. 

Ketler said she is working to make sure the facility meets safety standards with approval from the City of Fort St. John and Northern Health and expects the new daycare facility to open in September.

Todd Morrow, the society’s executive director, said the partnership should improve the environment for the children at the daycare. 

“By combining the Friendship Society’s deep community roots and commitment to Indigenous values with Northern Baby Bear Daycare’s experience and excellence in early childhood education, we are confident this new partnership will create a nurturing and enriching environment for children and their families,” said Morrow.

School District 60 has been in partnership with the daycare for 20 years.