2026
Newsletters
Staff congratulations
We are so proud of Madalina and Melissa, two valued Cariboo Early Childhood Educators, who have achieved their infant and toddler certification while working full time – no easy feat! We are so fortunate to work alongside these two dedicated and caring staff who help shape the caring and nurturing environment for our young children.
2025
Newsletters
September October November December
Happy Retirement Alexis!
We are thrilled to celebrate Alexis as she begins her well-deserved retirement at the end of December. After 20 years with us, Alexis leaves behind a legacy of dedication, compassion, and many cherished memories. She will be deeply missed by the children, families, and staff. Congratulations on your retirement, Alexis!
December 1st 2025 Snow Fall!
There’s nothing quite as magical as the first snowfall of the season! On December 1st, the children in the Poppy Room bundled up in their winter gear and went outside to celebrate the fresh blanket of snow.
Beyond The Bell Playground Upgrades
During our August closure, the Beyond the Bell Program received an exciting playground upgrade. When the children returned from their week off, they were welcomed by a refreshed outdoor space featuring new AstroTurf in the front yard, a brand-new gazebo, and a sandbox. These additions have created more opportunities for outdoor play, creativity, and connection.
A Rare Moment – Senior staff come together for a photo at the main center.
A Visit to the Kamloops Sa-Hali Fire Department
Cariboo Child Care would like to send a big thank you to the Kamloops Sa-Hali Fire Department!
The toddlers in the Marigold and Poppy programs loved visiting the fire station. The firefighters, their helmets, and the fire truck were the star of the show!
Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Program
Cariboo’s first Nobody’s Perfect Parenting (NPP) workshop, held over 3 weeks in March was a huge success! Six families participated and dedicated two hours, twice a week, to attend. Parents got to form connections and hold confidential caring conversations with other families on topics regarding their child’s development.
Largely the program was successful because the parents were so enthusiastic and willing to be involved.
During our five sessions the parents decided to delve into conversations about beliefs and values, challenging areas of connection, direction and temperament with their children. Through careful consideration and collaboration about children’s ages and stages of growth, and parent expectations, versus the actual capabilities of individual children, parents were able to take NPP information and dissect it to best suit their child’s needs. We used the NPP “Exponential Learning Cycle” to tie our thoughts together and come out with viable ideas to guide us through our topics of discussion.
Childcare was provided in the Marigold Room by two Cariboo ECE/Infant Toddler educators, while parents and facilitators met over tea, in a comfortable area in the Sage Room. A delicious meal prepared by the center’s chef was provided. Each family took home some resources, including a Nobody’s Perfect Program workbook. All in all, parents reported that they felt thankful and had appreciated the Nobody’s Perfect Program! Special thanks go to Kamloops CCRR staff member Michelle for participating in our first group sessions and providing guidance and support.
2024
Tool Bench Donation
On Friday October 18, 2024 an excited group of Willows children visited Thompson Rivers University carpentry shop and met with the Women in Trades students who generously donated a wonderful tool bench to Cariboo! Thank you friends, we are very happy with our new tools!
Cariboo’s Outside Play Space Upgrade
Cariboo Child Care Society is thrilled to share a glimpse of our updated, pandemic-friendly outdoor play space. We are incredibly grateful for the funding provided through United Way British Columbia and the Government of Canada’s Community Services Recovery Fund, which supported the redevelopment of our yard. These improvements have created smaller, defined play spaces for individual groups of children, helping ensure safe operations should we ever face challenges like those experienced during COVID-19.
Goodbye Gay!
In 2024 Cariboo Child Care Society bids a fond farewell to Gay Rhodes – a dedicated and dear Early Childhood Educator who has committed the past 24 years to serving children and families in our Cariboo community. We will miss Gay every day and wish her a very happy retirement.
Six Educators Celebrate their Graduation
Six Cariboo staff walked the stage at Thompson Rivers University convocation ceremonies in June 2024. Erin, Kim, Shira and Meghan received their certificates in Early Childhood Education while Anjali and Joycy received Masters in Education. CONGRATULATIONS – we are so proud of you all!!
Team Assembly Effort!
Such exciting news!! Cariboo Child Care opened the Willow Room today! This space has been created in partnership with the BC Provincial Governments Creation of New Childcare Spaces, Thompson Rivers University and our society. Children helped Trisha and Meghan with the final touches, assembling furniture and organizing their new space.
Kamloops City Appreciation
Child Care Awards of Excellence 2018
