Eston community working towards launching a nonprofit daycare
By Sandy King, President
Nurture and Grow Childcare Co-operative Board
After a year and a half of hard work, planning, and community collaboration, Eston is still working towards launching its nonprofit $10/day daycare - a game-changing service for families within our community.
What began as an idea from the Economic Development Committee has grown into a nonprofit licensed childcare centre; thanks to the dedication of local volunteers and the newly formed Eston Nurture and Grow Childcare Co-operative Board.
Members of the Eston Nurture and Grow Childcare Co-operative Board are working alongside the community to successfully complete Eston's nonprofit daycare. Pictured from l-r: Paige King, Christine DeCaire, Kim King, Sandy King, Jeannine Hallborg, Vanessa Poulter. Missing: Kaylyn Hockaday.
In 2023, the Economic Development Committee identified childcare as a major gap in the community. Recognizing that working parents needed support to stay and grow in Eston, the committee took action.
They reached out to local residents with experience and passion for early childhood care, and soon after, a Childcare Board was formed. This group of committed volunteers has been working quietly but tirelessly behind the scenes ever since.
It's important to recognize that Eston has been fortunate to have long-standing day-home providers - dedicated individuals who have offered essential, reliable care to families for many years. Their contributions have been invaluable, and the new daycare is intended to complement, not replace, those services.
However, the demand for licensed childcare has grown beyond what existing providers can accommodate. In the early stages of development, the Childcare Board held a pre-registration/information evening to assess the needs of local families. The response was clear: there was strong, immediate interest in additional childcare options, validating the push for a licensed centre.
Their first major milestone? Establishing the daycare as a registered nonprofit co-operative - a crucial step that opened the door to Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) federal funding. That funding is what allows all of Eston's families to now access high-quality daycare at just $10 per day.
Operating as a nonprofit co-operative, the daycare is fully community-governed, with all surplus funds reinvested into staffing, programming, and continuous improvement. The project has already had a ripple effect - demonstrating Eston's commitment to growth, innovation, and family support.
We've been working on this since 2023, often after work and on weekends, applying for grants as well as holding a variety of fundraising events. It's taken time, patience, and a lot of paperwork, but it's absolutely worth it.
The daycare isn't just about affordability. It's about helping parents return to work, giving kids a strong start in life, and making Eston more attractive to new families who are looking for a supportive place to call home.
Local businesses also benefit from the project, with a more stable workforce and more young families living, working, and spending in the community.
This is a long-term investment in Eston, and we're incredibly proud of the volunteers who brought this vision to life.
The nonprofit is seeking sponsorship to cover its final funding gap. The centrehas plans to serve 40 children, create eight jobs, and offer $10/day childcare.
We're not asking for handouts. We're offering a chance to invest in working families, economic growth, and our children's future.
Through this journey, we've seen many surrounding communities rally behind their own daycare startups - businesses, service clubs, and individuals stepping up to support what they knew was critical for their future.
Whether it's a donated toy, a corporate sponsorship, or a few hours of your time, your contribution will help build a space where children laugh, learn, and feel safe.
The Childcare Co-operative is still seeking support from the community to help complete the facility's physical outdoor playspace. Opportunities include:
Sponsorships with naming rights- we have many levels of sponsorships available
Donations of new or gently used outdoor toys and equipment
Donations of goods such as playsafe mulch, concrete for a bike path, and untreated 2x4s.
Volunteer time and skills to help build or enhance outdoor features
This is a chance for individuals, families, service groups, and local businesses to leave a lasting impact on one of Eston's most important community projects, and we are incredibly grateful that we have had some who have kindly made donations.
Whether it's a small donation or a few hours of help, it all makes a difference. This daycare belongs to the community — and we welcome everyone to be part of it.
Nurture and Grow Childcare is a shining example of what's possible when a small town works together to meet its own needs. It's not just a service; it's a symbol of community spirit, future-focused thinking, and what can happen when local people step up for local solutions.