Now marking 40 years in the community, the Lacombe Day Care is welcoming a new executive director. Stephanie Gillis stepped into the position at the not-for-profit organization last month.
“Most of my background is in day homes,” said Gillis. “I’ve done lots of work with children so as a parent and as a childcare provider, it’s neat to see it from this perspective, how it all works together with the government.”
Gillis has an extensive background in childcare and was previously the program coordinator of the Lacombe day home agency. “There are some similarities,” she said of the day home agency and the day care. “It’s the only one we have in town and it’s an important resource in our community.”
Gillis believes the children are a community’s future. “I really want them to feel full of everything - that they need to become these wonderful people they are going to turn into,” she said. “I heard that this spot had opened up and I thought it was a great opportunity to be able to influence a lot of people.”
Currently the day care serves 40 children, but is licenced for up to 54 children.
“We do have some space available,” said Gillis. “It does depend on the age and the time of the year. September is always very busy.”
The day care serves children ages 12 months to six-years-old.
The centre recently held a garage sale fundraiser, which saw a fairly large turnout. “It was nice to see the community support,” said Gillis.
The day care is a member of the C4 Initiative (Cranna Community Cultural Centre), a partnership made up of the Lacombe Performing Arts Centre Foundation, Lacombe Day Care, Lacombe FCSS and the City of Lacombe.
The C4 Initiative is an innovative concept, bringing together the performing arts and children and families as well as major cultural performances in the fields of music, theatre and dance. Studio facilities will be available for instruction and practice. The facility will provide opportunities for people of all ages to explore their creative side.
Gillis said she’s attended a few of the C4 meetings and is interested in the potential of the project. “It would be fantastic and that would open up the availability to licence for more children,” she said. “I think that is an important thing. It’s pretty exciting to go to those meetings.”
The Lacombe Day Care is celebrating 40 years in the community with a birthday bash on July 25th in coordination with Lacombe Days.
The open house/birthday bash will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the day care (5033-53rd St.). Board members and staff will be in attendance. The event will feature food and entertainment.
Prospective parents are invited to attend to check out the day care and options for their children.
news@lacombeexpress.com