The Whitecap Dakota First Nation will be the home of 56 new childcare spaces in the fall.

The community has partnered with Preston Early Learning to add the learning centre to the the regional health centre and the pre-kindergarten to grade 4 school.

According to involved parties an increase in employees in Whitecap Dakota First Nation has made this a valuable addition to the community.

Preston Early Learning Executive Director Lisa Leibel says in running the facility they hope to provide learning opportunities for children of all ages.

She says it is an exciting opportunity for everyone involved.

“The people at Whitecap Dakota have been absolutely fabulous to partner with and we haven’t partnered with a First Nation community before, so we are excited about that opportunity in itself,” said Leibel.

“The early learning centre is a fine example of our efforts with other governments to break down walls of segregation and set children up for a future of opportunities,” said Whitecap Dakota Chief Darcy Bear.

The centre will provide care for infants through school-age children for all families in the Saskatoon area. It is believed the “community hub” style approach to the facility will serve the children and their families well.