At YWCA Crabtree Corner Early Learning and Child Care Centre, child care is about much more than a safe place for children to spend the day. It is about community, support and giving caregivers the time and peace of mind to balance the demands of daily life, knowing their child is well cared for.
For Falynn, who has been raising her four-year-old grandson alone since he was just two months old, YWCA Crabtree Corner has become an essential foundation in her caregiving journey.
"It's just me and him," she says.
Her grandson has attended YWCA Crabtree Corner's child care program for the past two years, giving Falynn much-needed time to attend appointments, participate in community support programs, manage household responsibilities and focus on her own well-being.
"I participate in groups, I get my cleaning done and I can meet friends for coffee. Sometimes I just need a little time alone for my mental health."
Beyond child care, Falynn found a network of support through YWCA Crabtree Corner's programs, including the YWCA Intergenerational Grandparents' Group. As she navigates concerns about her grandson's speech delay and developmental needs, staff have connected her with resources, referrals, encouragement and practical advice.
"They're always helping me try to get referrals and connect to services," she says. "They're the kindest, most non-judgmental people ever. I just feel comfortable with them."
Falynn has seen great benefits for her grandson since joining Crabtree. Before joining the program, he often preferred playing on his own. Now, he looks forward to spending time with his friends and participating in group activities.
"He's not so shy anymore," she explains. "Before, he'd just play by himself. Now he wants to play in groups."
Flexible Support for Every Family
YWCA Crabtree Corner's child care program supports families with a variety of needs and family structures, offering free flexible care that helps caregivers balance parenting, appointments, work and personal well-being.
Falynn’s experience shows how flexible child care can support a caregiver’s well-being while helping a child build confidence and connection. That same sense of support has also made a meaningful difference for Ashley and her daughter.
Ashley, a single mother who moved to Metro Vancouver several years ago in search of housing stability, has had a similarly positive experience with YWCA Crabtree Corner child care. After transitioning through YWCA housing programs, she connected with the child care centre when her daughter was around one year old. Finding a safe, nurturing environment where her daughter could learn and socialize was important.
"The main reason I wanted to send her to child care was so she could socialize with other kids," Ashley explains. "It's worked really well. She loves going there and loves her teachers."
Since attending the program three days a week, she has noticed significant growth in her daughter's communication skills, confidence and curiosity, crediting much of that positive experience to the child care team.
"I absolutely love Crabtree child care," she says. "The place is really clean and all of the staff I've met are super wonderful. They all seem to really care about the kids."
She also appreciates the open communication from staff and the welcoming atmosphere they create for families.
"If there's ever an issue, they always call. They're super transparent."
While each family's journey is unique, both caregivers describe YWCA Crabtree Corner as a place where they feel supported and connected. For Falynn, that means having trusted people to turn to when she needs advice and emotional encouragement on tougher days. For Ashley, it means being part of a community that supports both parents and children as they grow.
"I just think it's a really great resource for the community," Ashley says. "All of the staff there are super helpful and friendly."
Through flexible child care and wraparound support, YWCA Crabtree Corner Early Learning and Child Care Centre helps caregivers navigate the unique challenges of parenting and caregiving while giving children opportunities to learn, connect and thrive.
YWCA Crabtree Corner is a place to find community, build connections and access the support families need to thrive.
Your donation can help make these opportunities possible for more children and caregivers.
