StrongStarts may look a little different this year as we try to find flexible solutions that best meet community need. Some options may include the following;
- Limiting the number of hours per day and/or days per week that the program is offered.
- Pre-registering families into the program, if possible.
- Limiting group sizes in consideration of the StrongStart BC program's maximum space capacity.
- Taking children and families outside for learning activities, including play and snack time
Health and safety is our top priority. Parents can expect further information from their local StrongStart Centre.
We are excited to have you back and look forward to seeing you again! __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
StrongStart Centres provide parents and caregivers an opportunity to share in their child's early learning experiences and learn and grow together through PLAY.
The Centre's facilitators are qualified Early Childhood Educators. They will provide carefully selected materials and activities that promote the development of social, emotional, physical, cognitive and early literacy skills necessary for lifelong learning.
School District No. 5 currently operates four StrongStart Centres:
AMY WOODLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Cranbrook) - 911 6th Street S.
Contact: Kelly Fentie
Email: kelly.fentie@sd5.bc.ca
Principal: Scott Holt
Hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 11am
Registration is required. Please register by clicking here.
Amy Woodland StrongStart poster
STEEPLES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Cranbrook) - 700 24th Avenue N.
Contact: Chris Brewster
Email: chris.brewster@sd5.bc.ca
Principal: Chris Catherall
Hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 11am 
Facebook page "Steeples StrongStart"
Registration is required. Please register by clicking here.
Steeples StrongStart poster
ISABELLA DICKEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Fernie) - 1302 2nd Ave.
Contact: Jodie Parker
Email: jodie.parker@sd5.bc.ca
Principal: Laura-Lee Phillips
Hours: Outdoor StrongStart
Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 10am - 11:30am
Zoom Storytime
Tuesday 9:30am
Limited Capacity - MUST pre-register by emailing jodie.parker@sd5.bc.ca
Registration - We are not taking new registrations at this time.
Facebook page "Fernie StrongStart"
FRANK J. MITCHELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Sparwood) - 101 Blue Spruce
Contact: Christine Watson
Email: christine.watson@sd5.bc.ca
Principal: Jennifer Adams
Hours: Outdoor StrongStart
Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 10am - 11am
Zoom Storytime
Tuesday 10am
Limited Capacity - MUST pre-register by emailing christine.watson@sd5.bc.ca
Registration - We are taking new registrations.
Facebook page "Sparwood Strong Start"
Centres are FREE and run on a pre-registration basis for all families with children not yet in kindergarten. Programs run as per the current school calendar and are open on those days when school is in session.
Registration - Please contact your local StrongStart Centre for details on registration.
Please note: in addition to completing a registration form, you must also provide proof of age documentation. Acceptable proof of age: Birth Certificate, Passport or Visa, Permanent Resident Card, or other documentation issued by Immigration Canada. BC Health Care Cards are NOT accepted as proof of age.
