Prior to 1981, children with developmental delays and their families were required to travel to Prince George or Terrace for therapy and support services. To address the need for local services, a Steering Committee was established to enlist support from groups and agencies on establishing a Child Development Centre. The Ministry of Human Resources responded with contracts for a “special needs” preschool program and an Infant Development Program. Under the sponsorship of the Bulkley Valley Child Development Society, the Centre opened its doors on November 23, 1981.
In September 1986, the Centre moved from the Village of Telkwa to Town of Smithers where the Society leased space from the St. James Anglican Church. At this time, the Society was able to purchase Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy services from the Terrace Child Development Centre and to then include these services to the BV CDC.