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Squamish's 'The Cabin' childcare centre celebrates grand opening

The Garibaldi Highlands facility offers preschool as well as before and out-of-school care

It takes a circle of devoted Squamish folks to build a childcare centre.

Those who had a hand in creating The Cabin, the new home of Sea to Sky Community Services preschool and out-of-school care programs, gathered on Friday for the centre's grand opening.

The wooden walls of the rustic-looking building, located on the grounds of Garibaldi Highlands Elementary, are already dotted with the artwork of its students, though the chalkboard-paint walls are still pristine — awaiting the passion of little hands to strike.

Tiny chairs, knee-high cubbies and plenty of toys and books make it appear a welcoming place for little people.

Construction began on the facility in the last week of June, and it was completed in the last week of October.

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Left to Right :Colleen Afelskie, Senior Educator, Sea to Sky Community Services; Allan Tudor, Allan Tudor of Tudor Metal Roofing and Cladding. Sitting at the table: Aric Cseff, EAC Construction LTD; Karl Dempsey, Orange Electric; Jason Zavitz, Alair Homes General Contractor; Gina Parry Senior Educator, SSCS. Sitting: Cheryl Simpson, Manager of Early Child Development Services for SSCS; Sarah Bjornson, Architect, Studio Hub Architects; Colin Acorn and Ally Acorn, New Era Plumbing; Suzie Soman, Director of Early Child Development Services, SSCS.

It is a HighScope preschool — meaning it operates on a curriculum based on the belief in active learning and support of a child's positive interactions with adults and peers.

The school began with 20 pre-school children and a before and after school care program for 24 children on Nov. 1.

The Cabin was funded through a capital grant from the Ministry of Children and Family Development in partnership with School District 48, according to Suzie Soman, director of early child development services at  Sea to Sky Community Services, which is a local non-profit organization based in Squamish.

Alair Homes Squamish, Studio Hub Architects, and other community partners helped make the facility a reality, Soman said.

For more on the school — including how to enroll and possible waitlists — go to www.sscs.ca/programs/preschool-aged-childcare/.

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