About Today ‘N’ Tomorrow Learning Society

Who We Are

​The Today ‘N’ Tomorrow Learning Society (TNTLS) is a small not for profit organization whose goal is to strengthen community one family at a time. The organization oversees four initiatives:

These programs are accessible to all families including those completing high school or college education, employed and/or families needing assistance through the Ministry of Children and Family Development.

Our History

The need for an education based childcare program for young parents and their children was identified by the Comox Valley Task Force on Pregnant and Parenting Teens in 1988. At that time the incidence of teen pregnancies was increasing and there were no licensed childcare facilities for children under the age of three. The incidence of live births to teen mothers in School District #71 increased from 3.4% in 1985 to 7.8% in 1991 (1996 stats read 6.1% – 38 out of 621 live births were to teenagers). The need among secondary students in the school district was sufficient to support a childcare program. As well, with the increasing incidence of parenting teens and projected population growth for the Comox Valley, the future of education based childcare in our community seemed certain.

In 1991 a steering committee was formed to further investigate the feasibility of establishing an education-based program for parenting teens. A facilitator was hired in October 1992 to assist in the planning stages and to oversee the implementation of the program. The four components of the program were to be education, childcare, outreach and health and staffing was to include a Program Coordinator.

At this time, G.P. Vanier’s Grade 12 Construction Class began work on the childcare building and the School District agreed to support the project until final funding was approved. In July 1993, the B.C. Government announced a comprehensive program to provide facilities for education-based childcare throughout the province. Located on G.P. Vanier School property, Teddies ‘N’ Toddlers Childcare Centre opened its doors on September 13, 1993 to the first group of 15 young parents and their children.

In August 1996, the Campbell River and District Association took over the administration of Teddies ‘N’ Toddlers Childcare Centre. For seven years the association supported the young parent program.

​In November 2003, the Today ‘N’ Tomorrow Learning Society was formed. It administered the Today ‘N’ Tomorrow Young Parent Program and Teddies ‘N’ Toddlers Childcare Centre with local community members sitting on the Board of Directors. As the Society grew there was recognition that a 3 – 5 year old childcare centre would be beneficial to provide a continuum of childcare for young parents and space for community families. With the help of School District # 71, the Society opened Little Friends Early Learning Centre in Airport Elementary School in March 2007. The real need was for a closer facility and the Board worked on finding a better location. The Board secured funding in 2011 and purchased a Coast Modular portable to be set up on G.P. Vanier Secondary School property. In July 2011, Little Friends Early Learning Centre moved to its new location.