About us
The inspiration for this project began with a mother’s heartfelt need, a grandmother’s invaluable wisdom, and the shared determination of a mother and daughter to turn a dream into reality.
Through the creation of the Elk Valley Childcare Society, Léonie and Josée's primary goal was to bring an inclusive childcare center to Fernie—one where “little Archie and 97 friends” could thrive in an environment that fosters growth, discovery, and community. Léonie, a former childcare educator with a degree in Business, has always been passionate about supporting children’s development. Her personal journey took on new meaning when her firstborn child entered her life.
Josée’s experience in the childcare industry began when her first daughter was born, and she struggled to find a suitable care facility. In response, she opened her home to care for her daughter and her friends’ children. What started as a small, family-centered service soon grew, and by the time Léonie, her fourth child, was born, Josée had expanded her care facility to accommodate 30 children and 5 employees. Over the next 35 years, Josée opened six childcare centers, and today, she manages the operations of two centers, serving 200 children and employing 40 staff members.
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Together, Léonie and Josée are committed to building a community-focused childcare center where children and families can grow and thrive.
Mission - Vision - Values
Our mission is to provide a high-quality, licensed, and not-for-profit early learning childcare center that is accessible to all families in Fernie and the surrounding communities. We are dedicated to creating a nurturing and stimulating environment where children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to grow emotionally, socially, physically, and intellectually. We are committed to setting the standard for exceptional early childhood education—giving parents complete peace of mind and children the foundation to thrive.
Our vision is a Fernie where every child feels loved, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential. We are committed to fostering a nurturing environment where children thrive through play, exploration, and meaningful connections.
Rooted in community, we strive to build strong partnerships with families, educators, and local organizations to create a high-quality, regulated early learning center that reflects the unique spirit of Fernie. Together, we are shaping a future where all children have the foundation to grow with confidence, curiosity, and joy.
Our values are based on the belief that true success in early childhood education is measured by the happiness, emotional well-being, and natural curiosity of every child. We prioritize play, exploration, and meaningful connections to nurture confident, well-adjusted learners. Our goal is to create a warm, supportive environment where children develop a lifelong love of learning, emotional resilience, and the social skills they need to thrive.