Family Place, a non-profit organization, was established in 1989 to support and enrich family life on Bowen Island. Family Place is a drop-in centre for parents/caregivers and their children ages 0-6, and offers children an opportunity to interact with other children and adults in a supportive and stimulating environment.
Family Place Program
The three-hour and four-hour programs, for children up to six years old, include a variety of developmentally appropriate activities, healthy pot-luck snacks and circle time. Special features include French Program on Wednesdays, free lunch on Wednesdays and Thursdays, parent resource library and clothing/toy exchange. New families are welcome.
Mother's Place Program
Mother's Place was created so that expecting and new parents on Bowen Island would have a means of meeting and supporting each other, and accessing on-island resources. Join us with your 0-12 month old on Fridays at Family Place for Baby Circle, tea/coffee and snacks, guest speakers and socializing. New families are welcome.
Our Coordinator
Our coordinator Tracy McLachlan keeps everything running smoothly. She is a licensed Early Childhood Educator and provides age-appropriate art and fun activities. She focuses on meeting children's developmental needs and linking parents and caregivers to family services and resources (on and off island) as needed. Tracy has a current Childsafe First Aid certificate and Food Safe Level 1 certificate.
Services We Offer
- toy and clothing exchange
- resource lending library (adult books)
- child care information
- parent/caregiver education
- health information
- monthly e-newsletter
What It's Like at Family Place
(see brochure)
Our Structure
Bowen Island Family Place is a not-for-profit society run by a volunteer Board of Directors. Since 1989, membership participation, community support through fundraising, and the generosity of the United Way's Success by Six program, Bowen Island Municipality, BC Gaming, and the Ministry for Children and Family Development have kept this valuable community service running. Members have the option of volunteering 5 hours per year in Family Place activities in exchange for lower membership fees. Subsidies are available.
Family Place adheres to the Vancouver Coastal Health guidelines for cleaning, toy washing, safety and health. To ensure the health of participating children, parents and caregivers, please keep your ill child at home. Please note that a child is well enough to participate at Family Place when it has been 24 hours since:
- vomiting,
- diarrhea,
- fever has broken (without medication),
- start of antibiotics
Please inform the coordinator if your child has been diagnosed with a communicable illness and attended Family Place during the incubation period. Other families will be informed but your privacy will be maintained. Please note that some childhood illnesses can have serious consequences during pregnancy and it is important that anyone who is pregnant and has been exposed is made aware of this.
We ask that all parents/caregivers watch their children. We aim to make Family Place a relaxed and friendly atmosphere for everyone. Your child(ren) will have plenty to do but will need your attention during your visit. It is up to you as parent or caregiver to monitor your child(ren).