Building Inclusive Child Care in the Central Okanagan
On March 1, 2025, the əts hạ stim iʔ scəcm̩álaʔ | Every Child, Every Day Conference was hosted through a meaningful collaboration between BGC Okanagan, səxʷkṇxitəlx kʼḷ c̬əc̬málaʔ (Aboriginal Early Years of the Central Okanagan) and arc Programs – Family Connection Centre.
This one-day free event brought together 250 early childhood educators, and early years service providers from across the Central Okanagan to celebrate the inclusion and belonging of children. With over 73 organizations represented, the conference emphasized the importance of inclusion, collaboration, and equipping caregivers with resources, strategies and inspiration to support every child.
The Importance of Inclusion in Early Childhood Education
February is National Inclusive Education Month in Canada, making it the perfect time for this event to highlight the essential role inclusion plays in early childhood education. Inclusion isn’t just about making space for every child – it’s about ensuring that every child feels valued, understood, and supported in their development. The conference’s core vision was that inclusion begins in the hearts and minds of early years educators and professionals. By working together, we can create a nurturing environment where every child thrives.
“Providing high-quality, inclusive care for children of all abilities is at the heart of what we do,” said Danielle Needham, BGC Okanagan’s Vice-President of Children and Youth with Support Needs (CYSN). ” Every child deserves to feel like they matter, and they should grow up feeling proud of who they are. This conference allowed us to bring our community together in a space to share perspectives and best practices, learn from each other’s experiences, and strengthen our collective commitment to ensuring that all children in our community are thriving.”
Key Takeaways from the Conference
The conference featured two sessions of workshops, two inspiring world-renowned keynotes, and networking opportunities that focused on equipping child care professionals with practical strategies, resources and empowerment to foster inclusion into their work. Topics included:
- Understanding diverse developmental needs and how to adapt programming
- The importance of cultural inclusion and Indigenous perspectives in child care
- Building stronger partnerships between families, educators, and support organizations
- Practical tools for creating sensory-friendly, culturally celebrated and trauma-informed spaces
A Stronger Future for Every Child, Every Day
The success of the əts hạ stim iʔ scəcm̩álaʔ | Every Child, Every Day Conference demonstrates the power of collaboration in the early years sector. By bringing together organizations and professionals committed to supporting young children, we are strengthening the foundation of our community for a more inclusive future where every child seen, heard, and valued for who they are.
At BGC Okanagan, we believe that when we invest in inclusion, we invest in a brighter future for every child. Together, we can ensure that every child, every day, has a place to belong.
BGC Okanagan offers Inclusive Child Care Programming Proudly in partnership with the Central Okanagan – arc programs Family Connection Centre (FCC). For more information on the FCC please visit: Family Connection Centre Central Okanagan – arc programs
Save the Date! Every Child, Every Day will be held on February 28, 2026
What Participants Had to Say
“Very inspiring! Thank you for a beautiful event”
“Keep doing what you’re doing. The knowledge passed onto me was inclusive to every child. Including my own inner child. Thank you.”
“I met knew people from other centers and I had a great time with them, everyone was in a beautiful mood and that says it all.”
“It is so good to see quality PD being offered in Kelowna”
“One of the most enjoyable Early Years conferences that I have been to here in Kelowna”
“Thank you for organizing such a meaningful event – I felt valued and appreciated. I LOVE that free books were given out!”
“I really enjoyed the Indigenous knowledge passed upon me through the books we were given. I truly felt very spiritually connected with the last speaker.”
“It was amazing to get together with the early childhood education community- thoroughly enjoyed it! thank you!”
“I was completely inspired after attending the event, particularly due to the 2 keynote speakers – they were amazing! Also, the energy and excitement was absolutely contagious – well done!”
“I’m very thankful this level of education and expertise was offered at no cost. I value my professional development, but life is expensive and I need to consider cost. It was much appreciated.”
