Please be aware there will be a delay in the opening of our StrongStart centres as we plan for the safe return of our families. 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 all again soon.

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​​​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:                TBA

Email:                    TBA

Principal:              Scott Holt

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

​                               Open when school is in session

STEEPLES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Cranbrook)

Contact:                TBA

Email:                    TBA

Principal:              Chris Catherall

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

                               Open when school is in session

                               ​Facebook page "Steeples StrongStart"

ISABELLA DICKEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Fernie)

Contact:               Jodie Parker

Email:                    jodie.parker@sd5.bc.ca

Principal:              Laura-Lee Phillips 

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:                TBA

Email:                    TBA

Principal:              Jennifer Adams 

Hours:                   Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday  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 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

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.​