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Flash Gallery! An example of the beautiful and brilliant artwork of the daycare children.
Mayne Island Early Childhood Society has officially received Charitable Status and can issue tax deductible receipts for contributions! If you are looking to donate this year, we welcome your support! Your gift will strengthen current programs and build for the future of families with young children on Mayne.
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Mayne Island Early Childhood Society
2021 AGM Report from the Co-Chair
   
What another challenging year it has been for our society. To move through waves of pandemic risks and regulations, extreme weather and unpredictable economic pressures has certainly fortified the “Little Engine that Could” character of our organization. Our volunteer board members, staff and volunteers have remained steadfast in providing exceptional service under the circumstances to young families on Mayne Island. We are moving forward, toward better days full of friends, fun and future health and wellness for our community through early childhood enrichment.

The daycare has seen more growth as we move into our second year of occupying the Fernhill house. Over the summer, we were able to establish and run an Infant/Toddler program, adding 4 new licensed spaces to our current capacity. Unfortunately, we lost our staff for that program and are still searching for a replacement in a very difficult labour market. So, we’re currently operating below capacity despite our ever-growing waitlist of over 20 children. The board has spent significant effort on bolstering our human resources capacity, dealing with turnover and working towards establishing a wage grid for our educators. Our goal is to become extremely attractive to future educators who would like to help us build our legacy at the Family Place. After all, the roles of educators in our children’s lives are precious and should never be undervalued. These organizational concerns rest with the childcare committee; meanwhile, the children in care are thriving with opportunities for social development, civic and ecological engagement, artistic expression, and all of the good things. I sometimes wish I was three years old again!

The Family Place build has made good progress, of course not as much as we had hoped. Our building committee has done a great job of managing several challenges, including a volatile construction market, a change in architect, extreme weather events and an overburdened building inspection department. Despite this, we are now the proud owners of a basement, foundation, utility lines and soon-to-be walls and roof (scheduled for April install). Our budget shortfalls have been inevitable in this climate, but we are working with Province and have had some encouraging news of late. We are optimistic that we can meet our financial goals for the project and complete the build in the fall and finally have a home for families of all shapes and sizes to participate, connect, and feel supported to live great lives on Mayne Island.

Our programming activity outside of these initiatives have been modest, although we managed to offer a successful swim program at Campbell Bay over 8 weeks in the summer; as well as supported library and mother’s network efforts. As new growth begins underground, we are growing our collective roots to sprout when the time is right with celebration, community and collaboration. Hopefully 2022 will see expanded programming offered for families and children on Mayne.

It is encouraging to see new and prospective families moving to the island and reaching out for community. It is encouraging to see support from many different groups and individuals who are passionate about childhood. It is encouraging to see our kids connecting with each other and this place.

Thanks to all who have donated their time, efforts, skills and passion to this organization. 

Sincerely submitted,
Meaghan Feduck
Co-Chair, MIECS
2020-10-20: Check out the floor plan for the Family Place!
Check out our Family Place updates, updated Sept. 28, 2020



Mayne Island Early Childhood society

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