StrongStart & StrongStart GO Programs

• StrongStart Calendar

  

• 2024/2025 Special Event Schedule

  Certain months have special events that include all StrongStart facilitators. On this day all school based StrongStart programs will be closed. More information about the events will be shared at StrongStart GO at our StrongStart centres and online closer to the date. Please come join us rain or shine.

  Date	Location	Hours of Operation
  October 1st	Tla'amin Nation	9:30 am - 11:30 am
  November 5th	Outdoor Learning Centre - Powell Lake	9:00 am - 12:00 pm
  February 4th	Palm Beach	9:30 am - 11:30 am
  March 4th	Outdoor Learning Centre - Powell Lake	9:00 am - 12:00 pm
  May 6th	Lindsay Park	9:30 am - 11:30 am
  June 11th	Outdoor Learning Centre - Powell Lake	9:00 am - 1:00 pm

  
  

StrongStart and StrongStart GO are free drop-in early learning programs for families with children aged 0-5 years. These programs are led by qualified Early Childhood Educators who guide learning activities, support child development, and create opportunities for families to learn and grow together.

• StrongStart is a welcoming, indoor program located at various centres across the qathet region.
• StrongStart GO is our mobile, outdoor version held in local parks and playgrounds from October to June. Families can spot the StrongStart GO van to know they’re in the right place! ⬇️

Both programs are designed to support children's early development in language, physical, cognitive, social, and emotional skills. Parents and caregivers participate alongside their children in engaging, play-based activities.

Who can attend?

This is a family program where parents/caregivers remain with their children (aged 0-5 years) and participate in the program together. Families are welcome to attend any StrongStart centre or StrongStart GO location once registered.

What to Expect

• Support and guidance from certified Early Childhood Educators
• Opportunities to connect with other families
• Healthy snack and social time
• Reading, singing, dancing, and physical movement
• Learning through play indoors (StrongStart)
• Outdoor activities (StrongStart GO) * Please remember to dress for the weather

Registration (Required for both programs)

All children participating in StrongStart BC must be registered with the Ministry of Education. Once a registration is complete, it can then be used for all K-12 schools in B.C. 

Choose one of the following registration options:

Option 1: Online via MyEdBC

• Create a MyEducation BC account and follow the prompts
• Be prepared with:
  • Valid email address
  • Child’s proof of age and citizenship (e.g., birth certificate or passport – photo or scan)

Option 2: Paper Registration

• Download the StrongStart Registration Form
• Have a qSD staff member verify your child’s proof of age
• Submit by email to info@sd47.bc.ca, or drop it off at any StrongStart location or the School Board Office (4351 Ontario Avenue)

Need Help?

• For first time registration, follow along with this video
• Once you have your parent portal password, follow along with this video
• Paper forms are available at all StrongStart centres and the School Board Office

Attendance

Once you are registered you are welcome to attend any StrongStart GO location or StrongStart centre. Please remember to record your attendance each time you visit a StrongStart location using the electronic forms provided at the entrance. You can use the centre’s iPad or scan the QR code with your own device to sign in.

StrongStart Hours and Locations

*All StrongStart programs follow the school calendar (starting the second week of September) and will be closed on statutory holidays, Winter, Spring, Summer Breaks, qathet School District Pro-D Days, and the last Wednesday of every month. All school sites will be closed on large StrongStart GO event days.

Newsletters

In addition to our StrongStart centres and StrongStart GO visits, the qathet School District has online newsletters jam packed with resources and information, so families can enhance their early learning experiences at home. This online publication is a great way for our families to stay connected even when they are unable to make it into a centre. Our seasonal newsletters can be accessed here online (by clicking the image below) and are also emailed to our registered StrongStart families. 

Dressing for the Weather

One barrier to enjoying the outdoors is the clothes we wear. Key to comfort are layers, rain gear and footwear. Layers help keep our body temperature comfortable, rain gear protects from both wind and rain and footwear keep our feet comfortable.

• A backpack keeps supplies available while outdoors
• Warm layers, kept ready in the car, make the ride home comfortable
• A waterproof container, kept in your vehicle, is handy to transport wet clothes

About StrongStart BC

StrongStart BC is a provincial initiative that:

• Supports smooth kindergarten transitions
• Encourages family involvement in early education
• Opens school spaces to the preschool-aged community
• Builds community connections and peer support for families

For questions or support, please contact:

Call: 604 485-6271 or email info@sd47.bc.ca 

Additional Information

Strong Start BC
Information from the Ministry of Education