Every Child, Every Day: Advancing Inclusion in the Early Years
Caroline PinheiroOn March 1, 2025, over 250 early childhood educators and service providers gathered in Kelowna for the əts hạ stim iʔ scəcm̩álaʔ | Every Child, Every Day Conference—a regionally significant event celebrating inclusion and belonging in the early years.
Hosted in partnership by arc programs Family Connection Centre (FCC), BGC Okanagan’s Inclusive Child Care Program and CYSN Services, and səxʷkn̓xitəlx k̓l̓ c̓əc̓əmálaʔ (those who care for children) – Aboriginal Early Years of the Central Okanagan, the conference brought together professionals from over 70 organizations. The day focused on strengthening collaborative approaches to inclusive child care and equipping early years professionals with strategies, tools, and inspiration to support every child’s development.
“It was a joy to invest regionally in those who hold our youngest children,” reflected Karine Veldhoen, Director of Services at the Family Connection Centre. “To bring together 250+ educators in a shared learning space was not only uplifting—it was a meaningful act of care, connection, and collaboration.”
The Director of Services for the arc programs Family Connection Centre, Karine Veldhoen served on the event’s organizing committee on behalf of the FCC, alongside Danielle Needham of BGC Okanagan with the FCC and Kim Kosik of the Aboriginal Early Years Table. The collaboration reflected the FCC’s broader service model—one rooted in coalition-building, early intervention, and shared leadership.
Grounding in Connection, Self-Compassion, and Indigenous Knowledge
The conference opened with an evening fire circle gathering at Westbank First Nation, facilitated by Krystal Withakay, who shared teachings on grounding in the land, connection, and care for self and community. These themes continued through the main event with impactful keynotes from Kim Barthel, a world-renowned occupational therapist, and Monique Gray Smith, award-winning author and speaker.
Both speakers emphasized the importance of slowing down, creating space for reflection, and sustaining the joy in supporting young children. These teachings resonated strongly with participants and aligned deeply with the guiding principles of the FCC.
Looking Ahead
The Every Child, Every Day Conference was a powerful affirmation of what is possible when we come together with a shared commitment to inclusion and belonging. The atmosphere of joy, reflection, and connection was a reminder of the importance of nurturing the professionals who hold space for children every day.
We extend our sincere thanks to all who made this event possible and to the dedicated professionals who filled the space with care, curiosity, and community.
The next Every Child, Every Day Conference is scheduled for February 28, 2026. We look forward to building on this momentum as we continue to shape systems that support every child, every day.
To learn more about the Family Connection Centre, visit:
arc programs Central Okanagan Family Connection Centre.
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