​​​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 5 currently operates four StrongStart Centres:

AMY WOODLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Cranbrook)

Contact:                Kirsten Johnson

Email:                    kirsten.johnson@sd5.bc.ca

Principal:              Aaron Thorn

Hours:                   Monday - Friday  8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

​                               Open when school is in session

STEEPLES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Cranbrook)

Contact:                Lisa Lancaster

Email:                    lisa.lancaster@sd5.bc.ca

Principal:              David Martin

Hours:                   Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday  9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.      

                               Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. until Wed. Nov.7th 

                               Wednesdays 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.  Nov.14th - Apr.24th

                               Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. May 1 - end of school

                               Open when school is in session

                               ​Facebook page "Fernie StrongStart"

ISABELLA DICKEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Fernie)

Contact:               Jodie Parker

Email:                    jodie.parker@sd5.bc.ca

Principal:              Nicole Neufeld

Hours:                   Monday – Friday  8:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

                               Open when school is in session

                               ​Facebook page "Fernie StrongStart"

FRANK J. MITCHELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Sparwood)

Contact:                BJ Syrja

Email:                    bj.syrja@sd5.bc.ca

Principal:              Lois Ehman 

Hours:                   Monday - Friday  8:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

                               Open when school is in session

                               Brochure.pdf

Centres are FREE and run on a drop-in bases for all famlies 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

Parents can register in person at the StrongStart Centre on the first day they with to attend.  Registration is on a continual intake basis during the school year. 

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.​