On April 23, Capilano University (CapU) officially opened the doors to the Fulmer Family Centre for Childhood Studies, the new home for the School of Education and Childhood Studies and a second childcare facility on the main campus in North Vancouver. The centre will also provide training for 20 early childhood educators (ECEs), doubling the practicum placements for students on campus.
The Fulmer Family Centre for Childhood Studies provides 74 new childcare spaces for the North Shore and enables CapU to increase enrolment in its early childhood care and education programs by 25 per cent.
The 23,000-square-foot two-storey facility provides 74 new childcare spaces for the North Shore and enables CapU to increase enrolment in its early childhood care and education (ECCE) programs by 25 per cent.
As Western Canada's only purpose-designed, integrated centre for early childhood care and education, the new building brings together researchers, students, educators and children under one roof to advance early years research, education and innovation. The building includes studio and lab space, classrooms, faculty offices and a children's centre providing care and education for infants, toddlers and 3- to 5-year-olds starting in June.
The $25-million project received more than $11 million from the Government of British Columbia, including nearly $3 million from the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund. CapU contributed more than $8 million toward the project, with nearly $6 million from donors.
The building is named in honour of Chancellor Yuri Fulmer and his family, in recognition of their generous support for early childhood education and their $2-million donation to the centre.
"The opening of this innovative teaching, learning and research space reimagines how we prepare future educators to meet the needs of 21st century children and provides quality child care that is vital for children, families and communities to thrive," said Brad Martin, dean, Faculty of Education, Health & Human Development.
"Access to high-quality, affordable child care is essential, not only for advancing equality but also for strengthening our economy by helping more people pursue an education or find a job," said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure. "The new Fulmer Family Centre for Childhood Studies doubles the number of childcare spaces on campus, supporting families in the community, while also providing more opportunities for early childhood education students to get the education they need to join the workforce in their chosen field."
Designed by Vancouver architecture firm Public Architecture, the LEED Gold target building is located at the north end of main campus, near transit and adjacent to forest and trails.
Fact Sheet : Fulmer Family Centre for Childhood Studies
For more information
2055 Purcell Way
North Vancouver British Columbia
Canada V7J 3H5
www.capilanou.ca/
