Building a solid future for Early Childhood Education Opportunities on Vancouver Island

In 2021 North Island College (NIC) announced an exciting development: the construction of a new Early Childhood Education and Care (ECCE) building at its Comox Valley campus. This project aims to address the growing need for skilled early childhood educators while supporting local families with access to quality child care. Construction on the Beaufort Children’s Centre expansion is officially underway. The project received $14.2 million in funding, including a building permit valued at $12.6 million. The expansion will address a critical childcare shortage in the Comox Valley. Hyland Precast is a major supplier of ready mix concrete and precast products.

Project Highlights

With a forward-thinking, child-centered design, this versatile facility seamlessly integrates education with real-world learning in an active childcare environment. It will create 75 new childcare spaces alongside cutting-edge teaching areas for early childhood education students. The ground-floor workshops and studios, and second-floor multipurpose space are designed to foster meaningful interactions among educators, students, children, and families.

Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, the childcare areas and surrounding outdoor play spaces serve as a “third teacher,” promoting exploration, creativity, and a deep connection with nature and the broader community.

The new facility is designed to enhance student learning while also offering much-needed child care services in the community. Here are some key features:

1. 1. Wood first approach: The Wood First program focuses on advancing wood use and innovative wood construction technologies in BC for wood products in construction, interior design and daily living.
   2. State-of-the-art facilities: Purpose-built classrooms, outdoor play areas, and child-friendly spaces will create an enriching learning environment. The Stantec team played a central role in this project, providing expertise in architecture, electrical engineering, and acoustics and vibration services.
   3. Community impact: The facility will help meet the increasing demand for early childhood educators, combined with training in a active child-care facility.

Project Partners

Several local companies have joined forces to bring this ambitious project to life:

1. • • Stantec Engineering: The project has been in development since 2021, with Stantec providing architectural services and providing expert engineering services, ensuring the building is designed for functionality and sustainability.
     • Kinetic Construction (Enterprise Owner): Overseeing the project’s construction and ensuring timely delivery with high-quality workmanship. This project is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2025 in conjunction with the NIC Student Housing Commons.
     • Hyland Precast: Supplying ready-mix and precast concrete for the project, contributing to a durable and efficient building structure. Over the course of the project Hyland will be supplying 400+ cubic meters of concrete, precast manhole barrels, catch basins, lamp bases and parking curbs.

     Investing in the Future

     This project reflects NIC’s commitment to investing in education and community development. By fostering future early childhood educators and supporting local families, the ECCE building will have a lasting positive impact on Vancouver Island. Stay tuned for more updates as this transformative project progresses!

     

   • Resources:
     Stantec: North Island College Centre of Excellence in early learning
     North Island College: News Comox Valley Record: New Centre for Early Childhood Educators