StrongStart Points

 

Funded by the Provincial Government 

 

StrongStart is a school-based, drop-in, early-learning centre for families, caregivers,

 

and their children, which is provided at no cost to them. The intention of StrongStart is to fill an 

 

early learning niche for preschool children who are not in full day care.The intentions of the 

 

program are to supplement activities that can be offered in the home and to give parents and 

 

caregivers new ideas that they can transfer to that environment. StrongStart provides a safe and 

 

positive environment for the children to learn, play, grow, and develop. It also provides a safe 

 

place for children to socialize with their peers, which is such an important part of early 

 

development. The program helped to reduce isolation allowing new connections in the 

 

community. The ministry has a checklist of expectations for activities such as story time, music, 

 

and singing. The program includes play activities that promote creativity in groups using books, 

 

arts, and crafts, and puzzles. It also models healthy eating habits through provision of nutritious 

 

snacks and endorses movement and large muscle activities by including outings to the 

 

waterpark, library, and swimming pool, nature trail walks.

 

Comments from the Community 

 

A place to go and get out of the house. A place to meet other moms. It was interesting to see my children’s response to a structured environment. I felt it prepared my children for kindergarten. I could play with my kids in an environment where I was away from distraction like my housework, chores and phone. – Rachelle Ethridge. 

 

A child responed, You don’t need to speak the same language to play with others. – Tate Baine (age5).

 

StrongStart has been very successful since the first 12 pilot sites were open across British 

 

Columbia in 2006. After such positive reviews, we now have three full-time sites in Campbell 

 

River, one part-time site in Sayward, and one part-time site on Quadra. This helps families in 

 

rural communities socialize their children and themselves. I truly believe that caregivers should

 

 attend StrongStart as its positive impact has been unquestionably established.  

 

Facilitator Requirements

ECE Assistant Certificate (must be working towards full license)

ECE Certificate or higher

 

StrongStart does NOT follow daycare licensing regulations as they are a part of the school district. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian, grandparent or nanny. This adult must be present for all of StrongStart. Each child will be registered with the school district so they can account for numbers for funding. Room capacity is based on the size and sometimes the volume or energy. The facilitator can say they are full for the day if needed. You can not save or reserve spots, it is first come first serve (unless on a field trip when numbers are needed for bookings).