Williams Lake Early Years Centre

In order to provide an overview of the new Virtual Early Years Centre in Williams Lake, we thought we would answer the 5 “W”s. Who? Hosted by the Women’s Contact Society, and supported by Children First, Success by 6 and the Early Child Development Network, the Early Years Centre works collaboratively in the community of Williams Lake and surrounding areas. What? Providing a website, supported by social media, the Virtual Early Years Centre will be the place to go on the internet to get information about healthy child development and programs and services available for families and children under 6 yrs old in the Williams Lake and surrounding area. The site will give parents and providers extensive information about available programs and services, when and how to access them and an up-to-date events calendar to make sure families can tap into the resources available in our community. Our social media strategy includes a Facebook page that will keep parents updated on local events and activities, as well as a blog that will discuss current issues in parenting and child development. When? With the recent hire of the Project Coordinator, Joanne Meyrick, development of the site is well underway. We anticipate having a first draft of the site ready for review by the end of September, with a full launch date targetted for release on November 20, 2015. Where? The Project Coordinator works at the Women’s Contact Society and trained community partners will be located at community based sites like StrongStartBC Centres, Band Offices, Health Units, Child Development Centre and the Williams Lake CCRR office. Why? By enhancing access and coordination of Early Years programs and services, we can support the healthy development of families and children under six years old in Williams Lake and the surrounding areas.