Assisting teen/young parents up to age 24 years in completing school to successfully graduate with a grade 12 diploma and in becoming great, caring parents.
Are you a young parent who has had your first baby before your 20th birthday and you have not officially graduated with your grade 12 diploma? You may qualify for a Y.P.P. *Young Parent Program. These special childcare (daycare) programs offer a teen or young parent up to full subsidy to cover childcare fees when joining Little Ferns Early Learning Centre . And with our different community programs, support and resources, you can partner with School District # 68 to graduate!
Questions you might have:
- I only completed some courses to the grade 9 level and have had a baby when I was 18, Can I apply? YES your baby would be in our infant and toddler classroom.
- I went to school in a different city or province or country and don’t have my grade 12 and have two children, the first before I was 20. Can I apply? YES, you can have more than one child in a YPP program covered by the subsidy program.
- I work part-time and want to do Distance Education OR take ADULT EDUCATION course at Vancouver Island University ( which are free) to get my grade 12 and have a baby. I am 17 can I apply? YES * you can attend a secondary school in school district # 68 Nanaimo-Ladysmith, alternative programs such as Senior Alt. (VAST), attend distance education programs such as LEARN @ HOME or attend V.I.U. Adult Ed.
- In another YPP program in BC or want to return to Little Ferns as I still have not completed every course towards my grade 12. I have only 2 courses left and had my baby at age 18 and he is 4 and I am 22. Can I apply? YES- you have had your baby before you were 20 years your child would be in our preschool fullday classroom.
- What is the cost of LITTLE FERNS? There is a $30.00 per year annual ,membership dues all families pay, and the fees include a full day snacks AND LUNCHES program! The monthly fees of $850.00 ($9775.00 per year) can be covered by the Y.P.P. subsidy program.
- How do I apply for the Y.P.P. childcare Subsidy Program with the Ministry of Children and Family Development? See the Executive Director, Amy Collum, at Little Ferns, register your child(ren) and ask for her assistance to complete your application.
Congratulations on your first step in graduating and becoming a successful adult AND parent!