Childcare Advocate and Community Trainer

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Joanne Cruickshank brings over three decades of experience in early childhood education and family childcare. She began her career in 1987, providing License-Not-Required care while raising her own young children. By 1990, she had obtained her Family Childcare License and went on to run a licensed childcare program for ten years. During that time, she also served on the board of the Western Canada Family Child Care Association (WCFCCA), which later was renamed as BC Family Child Care Association (BCFCCA).

In 2000, Joanne joined PacificCARE CCRR as a consultant, and later worked with the Victoria CCRR. She became a lead facilitator of foundational training courses, including Good Beginnings and the Responsible Adult 20 hour course. 

Over the past 15 years, she has specialized in adapting these programs for delivery in remote and underserved communities throughout British Columbia.

Her work includes partnerships with First Nations and local organizations across the Province:

• Darcy BC (2021): Delivered the Responsible Adult course via Zoom in partnership with the N'Quatqua Fist Nations.
• Dease Lake (2023): Provided in-person and distance follow-up training for members of the  Tahltan Band.
• Tofino (2023): Facilitated in-person training in partnership with the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation with funding from NETP.
• Zeballos (2024): Delivered both Level 1 and Level 2 training to members of the Ehattesaht First Nation, support provided by the Pre-Employment Supports Program at Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council.
• Port Alberni (2024): Provided classroom-based training for childcare professionals, support provided by the Pre-Employment Supports Program at Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council.

Joanne continues to offer training across the Province and remains committed to ensuring consistent access to high-quality professional development in early childhood care.  

Her dedication to childcare education is driven by a strong belief that no community should be without access to essential training. Joanne is recognized for her deep knowledge, practical experience, and a unique ability to meet learners where they are—both geographically and educationally.

For more information or documentation, Joanne is available by request. Contact: 250-686-6052