BC Family Child care Association (BCFCCA) is a professional organization of family childcare providers in the province of British Columbia. Our mission is to provide a professional voice and advocate for family child care providers, as well as, promote public awareness of quality, inclusive family child care.

The BCFFPA is a registered non-profit, provincial organization for Foster Parents, run by Foster Parents. It aims to bring together foster parents, social workers and other interested parties to improve the standard of care for children in BC. It represents Foster Parents to provide quality foster care and supports children and youth to reach their full potential.

Camps for Kids
Web site: www.bcfosterparents.ca/campscriteria.php
A program where foster parents can apply for funding and send their foster children, adoptive children or birth children to any camp they choose. Any foster parent member in good standing who requires assistance to send their foster, adopted or birth child/youth between the ages of 6-19 to camp (i.e. day camps, sports camps, away camps) can apply at the website.

Computers for Youth
Web site: www.bcfosterparents.ca/documents/ComputerDrawforWebsite/index.shtml
Foster youth who graduated from high school in 2009, and are in BCFFPA member's care homes, can enter a draw for a new computer.

Insurance Rider Program for Foster Parents
The BCFFPA Insurance Rider is available to all foster parents in BC. Individuals who foster for the ministry or a delegated aboriginal agency, are not required to purchase the rider as they are covered automatically. Those individuals who foster for community agencies or bands may purchase the rider for a fee of $115.00 per year, provided they are a member of either the BCFFPA or the FAFP. The Rider mirrors your primary policy. If it is covered there, it is covered by the Rider.

Natural Child Bursary
The Natural Child Bursary was founded in 1991 by Region ‘K’ for the birth or adopted child of a BCFFPA foster parent member in B.C. who has completed Grade 12 and wishes to continue his/her education

William Curtis Bursary
The William Curtis Memorial Fund, which is awarded annually, has been established for youth currently and formerly in care who wish to continue their education.

The Canada Revenue Agency administers tax laws for the Government of Canada and for most provinces and territories. It also looks after social and economic benefit and incentive programs delivered through the tax system. See website for information on programs offered specifically to aboriginal people, people with disabilities, families, and individuals.

Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB)
9755 King George Hwy.
Surrey,  BC   V3T 5E1   (Map)
Fax:  604-585-5769
Toll Free:  1-800-387-1193
The CCTB is a tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help them with the cost of raising children under the age of 18. Other benefits, like the National Child Benefit Supplement and the Child Disability Benefit, may also be part of a CCTB payment. Contact Canada Revenue Agency to see if you qualify. Automated telephone service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; agents are available Mon-Fri (except holidays) 8:15am-5:00pm

Offers a free, bilingual referral service for families seeking child care in Richmond, as well as information on the types of child care available and what to look for when choosing a child care provider. Parents can also pick up Child Care subsidy application packages here and get instructions on how to complete them. In addition, the Child Care Resource & Referral Centre supports licensed and registered license-not-required family child care providers by providing free access to a resource library and a start-up equipment lending service. License-not-required child care providers registered with the Child Care Resource & Referral Centre receive regular support visits, while support visits to licensed family child care facilities can be arranged upon request.

The City of Richmond has several committees that serve the interests of the residents of Richmond.

Child Care Development Advisory Committee
Phone:  604-276-4220
E-mail: lsherlock@richmond.ca
Twelve citizen appointees for two-year terms. Mandate: To achieve the development of quality, affordable and accessible child care in the City.

A voluntary organization of parents, child care providers, community organizations, unions and interested citizens working together for a community based, non-profit child care system that is of high quality, affordable, accessible, publicly funded and accountable.

ECEBC is the association for advancing early childhood education and educators in British Columbia. ECEBC is committed to quality early child care and education for the people of this province. Members are supported through advocacy and services which promote professional development and high standards of education and practice in the ECE field, working with communities and organizations to achieve these goals. Office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Gingerbread House Preschool is a special place where children and parents play and learn together. As the only Parent Participation Preschool (PPP) in Richmond, BC Gingerbread House provides a unique early childhood learning experience for children and their families.

The Hamilton Community Centre is located in Hamilton Elementary School. Facilities include a kitchen, a multipurpose room, a preschool room, and a rotunda. In addition, by sharing facilities with the school, Hamilton Community Association has access to a gymnasium. Hamilton offers a variety of programs for children, youth and adults of all ages.

Out-of-School Care
Phone:  604-718-8436
E-mail: tmckenzie@richmond.ca
Quality licensed school-age care for children 5 to 12 years old. Registration is ongoing. Provides care for school Pro-D days, Regular Early Dismissal Days and seasonal breaks. Must pre-register.

Rainbows and Unicorns Preschool
Phone:  604-718-8436
E-mail: tmckenzie@richmond.ca
Preschool at Hamilton Community Centre is designed to develop the child intellectually, socially, physically, emotionally and cognitively. The Preschool term is from September to June with a Winter and Spring Break vacation. For all licensed preschools, children must turn appropriate age by December 31.

The Ministry provides programs and services to ensure that healthy children and responsible families are living in safe, caring and inclusive communities. Assists families to maintain or resume responsibility for their children; investigates and protects children from suffering neglect or abuse; provides adoptive services for relinquishing parents and children; and finds temporary residential and foster care for children in the care of the Director of Family and Children's Services. Services in Richmond are as follows:

Child Care Subsidy
PO Box 9953 STN PROV GOVT
Victoria,  BC   V8W 9R3   (Map)
Web site: www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare
Toll Free:  1-888-338-6622
A monthly payment that helps eligible BC families with the cost of child care. You can pick up an application form and get help to complete it from Richmond Child Care Resource & Referral Centre, 190 - 7000 Minoru Blvd., Richmond, 604-279-7020.To find out if you qualify to get the subsidy, use the Eligibility Evaluator on the government website at www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare.

An organization that promotes healthy family relationships by supporting children, parents, and others in a parenting role in BC communities. Volunteer opportunities include: facilitators for Parent Support Circles and Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Circles; childminders; local steering committee members; office assistant and provincial board of directors

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Circles
Weekly support and information meetings for grandparents and other relatives who are the primary caregivers of grandchildren /nieces and nephews.

Richmond Support Circle and Richmond Latin American Circle
At circles, parents talk about how they are feeling about their children and themselves. They find understanding, support and encouragement to be the parents they want to be. These circles are free, weekly and confidential. Open to parents with children 0-12 and there is on-site child minding. Transportation assistance is available if needed

Our volunteers operate the program two mornings a week on Mondays and Thursdays from 9:00am to 11:30am. The program runs during the school year and is open to special needs children aged 6 months to 3 years or those who come from a family of special needs. Parents do not attend the playground and they use a small bus to transport the children who will be unable to attend carefree otherwise. They play with the children, talk to them, read to them, engage them in crafts, musical activities, provide them with a snack and tender, love and care. They also have music therapists come in twice a week to work with the children. The children need to be referred by a health care professional to participate in the program.

Richmond Family Place provides programs for parents and their children birth to six throughout Richmond. Offers "Learning through Play" activities in a welcoming and informative environment for parents with newborn babies to children of kindergarten age. Both drop-in and registration programs are available at the main site on Ash Street as well as at several satellite locations. Please call for more details.

Parent Connections Program
Facilitates parents of young children in supporting each other. Some of the groups include Baby Explorers and Play & Learn Drop-Ins. Call for more information.

Playroom & Learn Drop-In Program
Informal drop-in for parents with children 0 to 6 years old. Playroom offers open art activities in an early literacy environment with free play and daily circle time. Children can enjoy a closed-in backyard with sand and water play, as well as a children's garden. Drop-in hours are 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. Tuesday to Friday, 12:30pm to 2:30pm Tuesday to Thursday, and 10:30am to 12:30pm on Saturdays. There are a variety of other Play & Learn Drop-In Programs throughout Richmond. Call or check the website for more information.

Services at 9am and 11am. Provides out of school care. Ministries for youth, men, women, and seniors. Also runs a number of programs such as care groups, boys and girls clubs, and ESL programs.

The Society is committed to the provision of community based services for children, teens, and adults with developmental disabilities. Fundamental is the belief that each individual has the right to those services which will enable him or her to participate - to the greatest extent possible - in the same activities of everyday life as a non-handicapped peer.

Family Respite Program
Phone:  604-279-8245
E-mail: kgrossmann@rscl.org
Provides relief for parents and caregivers from the daily responsibilities and accompanying stress of caring for children, teens, and adults who have developmental disabilities.

Infant Development Program
Phone:  604-279-7059
E-mail: idp@rscl.org
Trained consultants make home visits to families with children from birth to three years who may have a delay in their development, or are at risk of delay.

Supported Child Development Program
Phone:  604-279-7010
E-mail: cmclellan-haqq@rscl.org
A community-based, early intervention program that provides practical information, resources, and strategies for the inclusion of children with disabilities in childcare settings to childcare providers and families. SCDP Consultants assist families in accessing childcare services in their community.

Treehouse Early Learning Centre
Phone:  604-277-8224
Fax:  604-277-8224
E-mail: lmountain@rscl.org
A child care program for children, both with and without a developmental disability, who need extra support to gain the skills of independence. For children aged 3 to 5.

Assists pregnant teens and adolescent parents to overcome barriers to education and employment opportunities. Teenage parents are encouraged and assisted to complete high school, increase parenting skills and enhance life skills. The students attend Richmond Secondary School while childcare is provided at an onsite, licensed childcare facility. The program is staffed by teachers, social workers and certified early childhood educators. The program is coordinated by Family Services of Greater Vancouver.

An umbrella society of three non-profit day cares in Richmond - Bowling Green Road Children's Centre, Cook Road Children's Centre and Terra Nova Children's Centre - that administers quality child care centres for children 6 months to 6 years old.

The Centre is located on Williams between Garden City and No.3 Rd. It provides and offers a wide range of facilities and programs for people of all ages. Facilities include a gymnasium, aerobics room, fitness centre, family games room, multipurpose rooms, and a community hall. There is also a Health Department Office and Community Police Station.

Seniors' Wellness Clinic
Phone:  604-718-8070
Volunteer health care professionals and other trained community volunteers provide blood pressure checks and other health related services at South Arm Community Centre. Educational and community information is also provided. Massage and manicure appointments are available. The program takes place from 9:00am to 1:00 p.m. on the second Friday of every month. The clinics run from September until June. Seniors are welcome to drop in.

The Centre and adjacent park are located in Steveston on the north side of Moncton between No. 1 Rd. and Railway Ave. Facilities include a gymnasium, several multipurpose meeting rooms, the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, a martial arts facility, three indoor tennis courts, two outdoor courts and a practice wall, a squash court, a lacrosse box, two softball diamonds, a fitness track, a fitness centre playground, picnic area, outdoor basketball courts and an outdoor pool. There is also a public library branch in the same building. A wide variety of programs are offered for people of all ages. The Centre has an active teen group, a seniors group and a pre-school.

Open Games Room
The games room has a pool table, bubble hockey, foosball, TV and VCR. Membership is required.

Plates Project
Phone:  604-271-7523
Provides reusable plates and cutlery at the Steveston Salmon Festival and for use by other community groups for a small rental fee. Contact either 604-271-7523 or 604-271-4753 for more information.

Rentals
Phone:  604-718-8091
There is a banquet room and multi-purpose room for rent. Bookings can be made up to one year in advance for receptions, two months in advance for meetings and six weeks in advance for Birthday Parties There is an attendant on duty for all events.

The Richmond Hospital is a community hospital serving Richmond, part of Delta, and travelers using the Vancouver International Airport and the BC Ferry System.

Pediatrics
Offers both inpatient and outpatient pediatric care. Children are referred by the family physicians in the community, pediatricians, or emergency physicians.

A non-profit organization that brings people and services together through community information and volunteerism.

Child Care Resource & Referral Centre
Offers a free, bilingual referral service for families seeking child care in Richmond, as well as information on the types of child care available and what to look for when choosing a child care provider. Parents can also pick up Child Care subsidy application packages here and get instructions on how to complete them. In addition, the Child Care Resource & Referral Centre supports licensed and registered license-not-required family child care providers by providing free access to a resource library and a start-up equipment lending service. License-not-required child care providers registered with the Child Care Resource & Referral Centre receive regular support visits, while support visits to licensed family child care facilities can be arranged upon request.

Information & Referral Services
A dedicated, experienced team of staff and volunteers provides community information and referral. The centre offers brochures, pamphlets, maps, guides and many government forms at the Richmond Caring Place and at the Community Information and Volunteer Centre located in Richmond Centre. Training is provided on basic information and referral skills and around community programs and services. Produces the Richmond Community Services Directory, which lists over 1300 programs and services available in Richmond. The online directory is hosted on the Richmond Public Library's website and can be accessed through VRIS' website at www.volunteerrichmond.ca. Click on the Info Richmond! Button.

Leadership Richmond
A leadership program that includes four modules: Youth Now; Enterprise; Next; and Community. Youth Now trains young adults who are high school graduates and under age 26 to serve as board members for local non-profit organizations. Next helps volunteer organizations benefit from the skills and experience of adults 50+. Enterprise will promote corporate volunteering and the transfer of business skills to the public sector. Community promotes volunteerism and builds community capacity through volunteer management training, workshops and information services.

Richmond Christmas Fund
E-mail: christmasfund@volunteerrichmond.ca
This program provides grocery vouchers to registered low-income Richmond residents and new toys to low-income families with children aged 12 and under, and gift certificates to teens 13-15. The Christmas Fund sponsorship program matches registered families with individuals and groups who prepare a customized Christmas hamper for their family. Donations from the community - both financial and of new, unwrapped gifts - are the basis of this program.

Richmond Senior Peer Counselling
E-mail: seniorpeercounselling@volunteerrichmond.ca
Trained senior volunteers, age 55 and older, offer free one-on-one counselling to guide and support their peers through difficult situations such as new living arraignments, relationship concerns, reduced income, bereavement, and anxiety or depression. Sessions can take place at the office, client's home or other locations. Referrals are accepted from individuals or health care providers, and are screened for appropriateness for the service. Clients are seen for up to six months, after which time referral can be made to other services. Volunteers complete a 54-hour training and supervised practicum. Funded by Vancouver Coastal Health to serve Richmond.

Seniors Community Support Services - Volunteer Shopping Programs
Volunteer Richmond Information Services works in partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health to provide shopping assistance for seniors and others with chronic health problems. The Shop-by-Phone service is for those who cannot get out to shop for their groceries. Volunteers also assist Continuing Health clients with group shopping or weekly in-person shopping at various location. For a select group of seniors or adults with long-term health problems, volunteer visitors, phoners, and drivers for medical appointments are possible through the Vancouver Coastal health Integrated Health network. Call to confirm eligibility.

Seniors Information & Referral
Trained senior 55+ volunteers provide information and referral regarding community services to seniors ages 55 and older. Also assists seniors navigate through government systems, and fill out application forms. Topics include pensions, income tax, citizenship and permanent residency, medical plan, pharmacare, legal resources, housing, and shelter aid for renters. Service is available by phone, as well as by appointment or drop-in at the office, 9 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday. Also offered by appointment at the West Richmond Community Centre Mondays 10 am to 2 pm. The Seniors Information line is available to answer any questions about benefits and entitlements for seniors. There are trained volunteers available Monday to Friday 9 am to 4 pm.

Volunteer Centre
Helps potential volunteers find appropriate and satisfying volunteer opportunities, offers volunteer management training and consultation to local non-profit organizations, and promotes volunteerism within the community. Our Volunteer Match program helps connect individuals with volunteer opportunities. Visit our on-line database at www.volunteerrichmond.ca. Click on the Volunteer Richmond! Button.

The Centre is connected to Hugh Boyd Secondary School and is located south of Francis Rd. on No. 1 Rd. A wide variety of programs are offered for people of all ages.

Rentals
Phone:  604-718-8406
A banquet hall, multipurpose room, gymnasium and meeting rooms are available for rent. See www.richmond.ca for more information.

Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre provides information, referrals, training and resources to families, individuals and organizations who are seeking the best care and early learning for children. The Westcoast Library, specializing in child development and child care theory and practice, is available onsite and the catalogue is available online. The collection includes books, magazines, a broad spectrum of audio and visual materials, feltboard stories, specialized play and learning kits and equipment.