Capilano University announces new Centre for Childhood Studies
CapU media release: Capilano University announces new Centre for Childhood Studies (PDF)
North Vancouver B.C. January 13, 2022 – Capilano University (CapU) is pleased to announce the plan for a purpose-built Centre for Childhood Studies on the University’s main campus in North Vancouver. Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training Anne Kang and Minister of State for Child Care Katrina Chen today jointly announced $9.46 million in funding towards construction of The Centre that will house the School of Education and Childhood Studies and a second childcare facility. To complement financing from the Province and CapU, the University has launched a capital campaign to engage community support in raising an additional $5 million for the $18.6 million project.
B.C. Government media release: B.C. Government announcement of CapU Centre for Childhood Studies
“Quality childcare is inextricably linked to social and economic development. It is a vital support for many families and essential for creating healthy communities,” says Capilano University President Paul Dangerfield. “The COVID-19 pandemic increased societal awareness and value for quality childcare, and Capilano University is well-placed to meet the growing needs of childhood educators and local families.”
Quick facts:
| $18.6 million | Centre for Childhood Studies capital project |
| 23,000 | square-foot, two-storey LEED Gold building adjacent to transit and a forested play space |
| 74 | new childcare spaces, doubling on-campus childcare at CapU for infants and preschoolers |
| 20 | additional ECE practicum placement spaces |
The University’s $5 million capital campaign, co-chaired by Derek and Carlota Lee, has been seeded with a lead gift of $2 million from Capilano University Chancellor Yuri Fulmer and his wife Alesia Fulmer. The campaign has also received $500,000 from the Dajvad Mowafaghian Foundation; a $250,000 grant from the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, the major philanthropic organization for The Washington Companies, in conjunction with Seaspan and Southern Railway of British Columbia Limited (SRY); and a $150,000 gift from integrated forestry company, West Fraser.
In July 2020 CapU received $2.96 million from the Childcare BC New Spaces Fund. Pending approvals, construction is slated to begin in mid-2022 with the goal of welcoming students and children into The Centre in September 2024.
Project Funding:
$6.5 million Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training
$2.96 million Ministry of Children and Family Development (for childcare centre)
$4.14 million Capilano University
$5.0 million capital campaign
The new child-centred building – the first major capital project on the University’s main campus since the opening of the Nat and Flora Bosa Centre for Film and Animation in 2012 – will be located at the north end of main campus, near transit and adjacent to forest and trails.
About Capilano University
Capilano University is a teaching-focused university based in North Vancouver, with programming serving the Sunshine Coast and the Sea-to-Sky corridor. The University offers 94 programs, including bachelor's degrees, in areas as diverse as film, early childhood education and tourism management. Capilano University is named after Sa7plek (Chief Joe Capilano), an important leader of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nation of the Coast Salish Peoples. We respectfully acknowledge that our campuses are located on the territories of the LíỈwat, xʷməθkʷəỷəm (Musqueam), shíshálh (Sechelt), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and SəỈílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
For more information, or to schedule interviews, please contact:
Linda Munro
Senior Communications Officer
Capilano University
t: 604 220 8937
e: lindamunro@capilanou.ca
www.capilanou.ca
Quotes
Shaun McGrath, CapU alumnus and current child care user
“As a full-time student, knowing my son was happy and well-cared for by quality childcare educators and only one minute away on campus was absolutely priceless. We felt truly blessed to get a spot for him at the Capilano University Children’s Centre. I am thrilled the new Centre for Childhood Studies means so many more students will be able to benefit by having access to high-quality childcare on campus.”
Brad Martin, dean, Faculty of Faculty of Education, Health & Human Development, Capilano University
“As a leader in early childhood education, CapU is pleased to introduce plans for the Centre for Childhood Studies. The centre will serve as an innovative teaching and learning space that reimagines how we prepare future educators to meet the needs of 21st century children and double our number of child care spaces on main campus in response to the identified need for child care on the North Shore.”
Paul Dangerfield, president, Capilano University
“Quality childcare is inextricably linked to social and economic development. It is a vital support for many families and essential for creating healthy communities,” says Capilano University President Paul Dangerfield. “The COVID-19 pandemic increased societal awareness and value for quality childcare, and Capilano University is well-placed to meet the growing needs of childhood educators and local families.”
More information
Capilano University Centre for Childhood Studies
Project overview, community benefits and frequently asked questions
Video of Centre for Childhood Studies project
Donor campaign supporters and information
Early Childhood Care and Education at Capilano University
Submitted by: Communications