More spaces, facility upgrades and educator support strengthen local families
Finding quality child care is a challenge for many families, and in Revelstoke, demand continues to rise. Since its founding in 1989, the Revelstoke Child Care Society (RCCS) has expanded to support children from infancy to school age—helping parents stay in the workforce while ensuring their children receive high-quality care.
“Our mission is to provide affordable, accessible, inclusive and quality programming,” says Co-Executive Director Linda Chell. “In recent years, we’ve seen a significant increase in demand, and that trend continues.”
Thanks in part to support from Columbia Basin Trust, RCCS has enhanced its services, upgraded its facilities, and invested in staff development. The creation of an infant/toddler room, a preschool to school-age room, playground improvements and new flooring have all contributed to a better environment for children. Recent high-efficiency upgrades to heating and cooling systems have helped reduce operational costs, supporting sustainability while enhancing the quality of care. And with a new project underway, this fall 12 more infant toddler spaces will be added.
“It’s a challenge to recruit and retain certified educators, but with the Trust’s support, we’re able to offer a training wage that keeps educators in the community,” says Co-Executive Director Tracy Spannier. “Having a consistent, reliable team benefits everyone. Some staff members have worked with children from the same family over the years, building strong bonds.”
With 89 licensed child care spaces currently and 12 additional infant toddler spaces coming soon, RCCS still faces increasing demand, with over 140 families currently on the waiting list. Investment in staff training and mentoring has also enabled the Society to offer specialized programming for children with unique needs.
A Family’s Story: The Davis Family
For nearly eight years, the Davis family has relied on RCCS— not only for affordable child care but also the expertise and care provided by its educators.
RCCS played a key role in identifying early signs of autism in their daughter, Ivy. The trained staff, in collaboration with local specialists, provided Ivy with personalized support that has helped her thrive.
“Staff approached me after noticing Ivy was acting a little different from some of the other kids. They observed signs of autism, such as parallel play, limited eye contact and walking on her tiptoes,” says parent Lara Davis. “A plan was soon developed, involving RCCS staff, an occupational therapist and a speech pathologist, to provide Ivy with the support she needed. She’s now in Grade 3 and doing great!”
Educator Success: Carys Gregg’s Journey
RCCS’s impact extends to its staff as well. Carys Gregg, now the Manager of Care at Stepping Stones, exemplifies how educator support strengthens the community.
Growing up in Squamish, Gregg knew from a young age that she wanted to work with children. After moving to Revelstoke in 2017, she began as an Early Childhood Assistant at RCCS and later pursued formal training—supported by Columbia Basin Trust’s wage subsidy program.
“The Trust’s support allowed me to continue my education without having to leave Revelstoke, which was very important to me,” says Gregg, who became fully qualified in 2023.
RCCS has helped many staff members gain post-secondary qualifications while remaining in the workforce, ensuring families continue to receive high-quality care.
Supporting the Future of Child Care in Revelstoke
With over 8,200 residents in Revelstoke, RCCS has become a key part of the community—helping parents stay in the workforce, ensuring children receive quality care, and training educators to build a stronger, more sustainable future for families in the area.
