Daljit Gill-Badesha, a middle childhood manager with the City of Surrey, has been appointed to the Provincial Child Care Council, a board that provides the provincial government with advice on child care programs and policies.
“The early years make such an impression on a person’s growth and development,” said Stephanie Cadieux, Minister of Children and Family Development and MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale. “We are fortunate indeed to be able to call upon the passion and expertise of members such as Daljit for advice in so many areas.”
Gill-Badesha and the Council’s other members represent parents and child care providers to give guidance on the policies and programs that affect the affordability, quality, stability and accessibility of child care. They also speak for the regional and sectoral interest of parents, children, caregivers and communities.
“It is an honour to be asked to serve on this council,” said Daljit Gill-Badesha. “I look forward to working with my council colleagues in assisting the Province.”
The Provincial Child Care Council consists of a minimum of 14 and a maximum of 21 members, each of whom is appointed by Cadieux in her role as Minister of Children and Family Development.
“Daljit brings a wealth of experience to the provincial council,” said Amrik Virk, MLA for Surrey-Tynehead. ”Her work with organizations in the Surrey and Metro Vancouver area and within the South Asian community add practical knowledge to her responsibilities on this advisory board.”
In addition to working for the City of Surrey, Gill-Badesha chairs the Children’s Partnership ‘ South Asian Early Childhood Development Task Group and the Middle Childhood Matters Community Planning Table committee. She has previously served at DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society where she was the manager of the organization’s Family Services and then director of their First Steps Early Childhood Development project.
Gill-Badesha earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Diploma in Education from the University of British Columbia, holds a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology and Leadership Studies from the University of Victoria along with an Early Psychosis Intervention Program Certificate from the Fraser Health Authority.
The government unveiled its British Columbia Early Years Strategy a little over a year ago. It’s the province’s long-term commitment to improve access, affordability and quality in child care, early childhood development and early learning services for B.C. children.
