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​​​Welcome to StrongStart! 

StrongStart is a free school-based program for families with young children (aged birth to five). Parents/Caregivers accompany their child in play-based early learning activities. The provincial StrongStart program is in place to help prepare children for success in kindergarten.

The Centre's facilitators are qualified Early Childhood Educators who lead the learning activities where children learn through PLAY! Carefully selected materials and activities will promotoe the social, emotional, physical, cognitive and early literacy development in each child.

• ​Explore with sand & water
  
• Build with blocks
• Climb & slide
• Learn songs and enjoy music 
• Listen to stories​
  

School District No. 5 operates four StrongStart Centres. 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. Program schedules will vary at each location, but all programs will include a nutritious snack, circle time and free play time. Families will also have access to the school library and the gym (at most locations).

Program Philosophy

​Each child/family is unique and deserves to be treated with respect and dignity in an environment that is safe, positive and promotes a healthy lifestyle. Each child will be included and made to feel a valued member of the group. Parents are an integral part of their child's early learning and are included in all aspects of the program.

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Registration  

Please complete this registration form​ and contact your local StrongStart Centre for more details. 

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.​ 

​Facilitator:	Nicole Green	nicole.green@sd5.bc.ca
​Principal: ​Scott Holt	​​Hours:	Sept. 2024 - Now located at Steeples Elementary​ Please visit the office prior to or the morning of with your child's birth certificate and proof of residency to register for StrongStart. If you have registered online, please email nicole.green@sd5.bc.ca with your registration, birth certificate, and proof of residency. Mondays through Thursdays starting Sept. 16th! from 9am - 11:30am and 12:15pm - 2:45pm 10 families per session with requirement of Simple Survey sign up at https://cbal.simplesurvey.com/f/s/CranbrookStrongStart ​Facebook page "Cranbrook StrongStart'

​Facilitator:	​Nicole Green	nicole.green@sd5.bc.ca​
​Principal: Erin Boehm	​​Hours:	Please visit the office prior to or the morning of with your child's birth certificate and proof of residency to register for StrongStart. If you have registered online, please email nicole.green@sd5.bc.ca with your registration, birth certificate, and proof of residency.​ Mondays through Thursdays starting Sept. 16th! from 9am - 11:30am and 12:15pm - 2:45pm 10 families per session with requirement of Simple Survey sign up at  https://cbal.simplesurvey.com/f/s/CranbrookStrongStart​ ​ Facebook page "Cranbrook StrongStart'​

​Facilitator:​	Celine Hawkins	celine.hawkins@sd5.bc.ca
​Principal: Janet Kuijt	​Hours:	​​1301 2nd Ave. (Portable behind Isabella Dicken Elementary) ​Monday through Friday 9:00am - 12:00pm (Following the school calendar) ​​​ Facebook page "StrongStart Fernie"​

​Facilitator:	​Christine Watson	​ christine.watson@sd5.bc.ca​
​Principal: Jason Sommerfeld	Hours:	​Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:00am - 12:00pm (Following the school calendar) Wednesdays 12:00pm - 3:00pm  Facebook Page "Sparwood StrongStart"