A new French-language child care centre has opened its doors in Kelowna, bringing more support to local Francophone families and strengthening early education in the region.
Les libellules (The Dragonflies) child care centre is run by le Phare C.-B., an organization under the Fédération des parents francophones de Colombie-Britannique. The centre began operating in December 2023, then moved into a brand-new facility in August 2024.
It offers a nursery for children aged 15 to 30 months, child care for those aged 30 months to five years, and school-age care for students at l’école de l’Anse-au-sable. The project was developed in partnership with the Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique (CSF) and received funding from the B.C. government’s ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund.
For parent Lucie Perroudon, the centre is a life saver.
“It’s very had to get a spot anywhere—it’s a long waiting list,” she said. “In French, it did not exist before.”
Perroudon’s five year old daughter was previously enrolled a French immersion program in West Kelowna, but it was only offered two days a week, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
“When we found out there was a full day care we were very excited. It’s amazing—the staff is amazing.”
Mayor Tom Dyas, and Kelowna-Mission MLA Gavin Dew were also on hand for the ribbon cutting.
“As we know childcare for many families is essential,” Days said. “When it is accessible, affordable and when it is culturally connected—as it is here—it opens up doors.”
Dew pointed out that childcare is a crucial economic enabler, especially for women being able to be part of the work force.
“We see the economic multipliers on being able to make sure childcare is available—we see the difference that it makes for families,” he added.
B.C.'s Parliamentary Secretary for Child Care, Rohini Arora, noted that providing children access to their community's culture and language so important for their development and well being.
“Kelowna's thriving francophone community will benefit for years to come thanks to the opening of this new French-speaking child care centre,” she said.
Les libellules is one of 13 child care centres managed by le Phare C.-B., which is working to expand access to Francophone child care across the province. The goal is to support language development from a young age and help preserve French in minority-language communities like Kelowna.
“Les libellules child care centre supports parents in their mission to transmit French language and Francophone culture to their children, and provides a suitable environment for the strengthening and growth of the region's Francophone community,” said Christian Leclerc, president of the Fédération des parents francophones de Colombie-Britannique.
To attend Les libellules, at least one parent must be a “rights holder,” meaning they meet the legal criteria for having their child educated in a CSF school.
More information about eligibility is available on the CSF website.
