StrongStart Philosophy
StrongStart is a free drop-in early learning program for children aged 0 to 5 years (prior to entry into kindergarten) who are accompanied by their parents or caregivers. It is the beginning of a special partnership between families and schools.
StrongStart Program Overview
StrongStart BC early learning programs provide school-based early learning services for families or caregivers and their pre-school aged children, at no cost to families. The programs are intended to fill a niche for young children who are not attending childcare and are in the home with their parent or other caregivers, such as grandparents or nannies. Both children and adults benefit from StrongStart BC early learning programs – children have access to high-quality learning environments and benefit from social interactions while the adults who accompany them learn new ways to support learning, both at the program and at home.
StrongStart Policy Statement
StrongStart BC early learning centres provide school-based, high quality early learning programs for children not yet eligible for kindergarten accompanied by a parent or caregiver. These programs are designed to support the success of students when they enter Kindergarten.
Rationale or Purpose of Policy
The years between birth and school age are a critical time in a child’s life. The experiences that children have in the early years influence their future health, well being, and life-long learning. Investment in children’s early years can positively affect the future lives of British Columbians. Children who are exposed to language rich environments and play-based early learning experiences are more likely to develop the skills, knowledge and dispositions to support their success in school.
