Fort Providence (May 12/06) - Parents in Fort Providence looking for childcare options will soon see a new daycare program begin.

A daycare program is being sponsored by Deh Gah Got'ie Koe First Nations. The anticipated opening is set for the end of June, Joyce Villeneuve, the daycare coordinator said.

When the doors open to the public, there will be nine spaces for children, divided between three infants and six preschoolers. Villeneuve expects there will be a waiting list.

"I think there is a need," she said.

The peak period for childcare needs runs from September to March because a lot of parents go back to school, Villeneuve said.

Children in the daycare will be the first to use the new building, built with funding received in 2001 from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, Shirley Gargan, career development coordinator with the band, said. The building is centrally located beside both a playground and the youth centre.

Gargan agrees there is a need in the community for a daycare. In the past, people have missed classes because they couldn't always get babysitters, Gargan said. Before the daycare program can be opened a few final steps need to be completed, Villeneuve said.

Final inspections have to be done by the fire marshal, the environmental health officer and the early childhood consultant, she said. The centre also needs a name, which will be chosen by the public.

Villeneuve is still waiting to hear the final decision on funding from the government. The program is also receiving money from the Dehcho First Nations plus parent fees.

The centre will be run by approximately three staff in addition to the coordinator, Villeneuve said. Programming will include cultural aspects. There will also be a focus on nutrition, health, safety and lots of playing, Villeneuve said.