Pender Island Child Care Society
The Pender Island Child Care Society (PICCS), operating as the Dragonfly Child Care and Family Resource Centre, is a Canadian nonprofit organization (Business Registration Number 864473210RR0001) providing affordable childcare and family programs on Pender Island, British Columbia. Established as a registered charity, it emphasizes play-based learning and supports early childhood development while fostering community connections among families.

Programs and Services
PICCS offers structured educational programs designed to prepare children for kindergarten, including a preschool for ages 4–5 operating Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Childcare for ages 18 months to 5 years is available Wednesday–Friday (9:00 a.m.–4:45 p.m.), with half-day sessions (9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.) and after-school care for children up to age 12.

As part of British Columbia’s $10-a-Day ChildCareBC initiative, the center provides low-cost childcare. Additional family resource programs include:

• Parents and Babes: A Monday morning program (9:00–11:30 a.m.) for caregivers and children aged 0–5, focusing on peer interaction and parent networking[2].
• HOP (Healthy Opportunities for Preschoolers): Weekly gym sessions (Wednesdays 9:00–10:15 a.m.) emphasizing gross motor skill development through activities like obstacle courses and balance bikes[2].
• Dad N’ Me Pancake Breakfast: Monthly Saturday events encouraging bonding between children and male caregivers[2].

Philosophy and Structure
The center adopts a play-based curriculum to nurture emotional, social, cognitive, and physical growth. Its nonprofit model and charitable status enable subsidized fees, with operations supported by grants from the Victoria Foundation, CRD Parks and Recreation, and the Ministry of Children and Families[2]. Programs are facilitated by trained staff and focus on inclusive, child-centered environments.