Welcome to Our StrongStart Centres

Looking for a welcoming place for your little one to learn, play, and connect? 

StrongStart is a free, drop-in early learning program for families with children ages 0-5. Led by qualified Early Childhood Educators, the program supports children’s development through play, creative activities, and opportunities to build connections.

qSD’s StrongStart centres at Westview, Henderson, and Edgehill elementary schools are all up and running and ready to welcome families! We’re pleased to introduce the dedicated facilitators who help make each centre special (pictured above):

Westview Elementary: Danielle Cazes (pictured left)

Danielle has worked as an Early Childhood Educator since 1991 and loves creating welcoming spaces where children and families can learn, connect, and grow together. Through her work in both Westview StrongStart and Westview JustB4 Preschool, she has had the privilege of getting to know children in StrongStart and supporting them through the transition to preschool. She has seen how these programs interconnect to ease children’s transition to kindergarten. Providing play-based learning opportunities and building relationships with families are important to Danielle, and she looks forward to seeing you at Westview Elementary!

Henderson Elementary: Kate Boyd (pictured centre)

With 20 years of experience as a StrongStart facilitator, Kate supports families in meaningful and diverse ways. She creates a warm, welcoming classroom environment where families feel comfortable asking questions, sharing experiences, and learning about the school system. Her approach is rooted in care, respect, and inclusion, ensuring that every family feels seen and supported. Passionate about building community, she focuses on fostering strong connections between families, schools, and local resources, helping to create a sense of belonging for everyone who walks through her doors.

Edgehill Elementary: Janet Street (pictured right)

Janet has extensive experience as an Early Childhood Educator, with most of her experience supporting children ages 3 to 5. She spent much of her career at Busy Bees Preschool and has worked at Edgehill Elementary for the past four years, building strong relationships with the school community. She believes in the importance of teamwork and values the knowledge and experience that families bring. Janet looks forward to expanding her experience through StrongStart and having the program be an active part of the Edgehill school community. Outside of work, she deeply values family and enjoys spending time with her six children and five grandchildren, as well as playing baseball, camping, boating, and time at the cabin.

Here's a sneak peek of each StrongStart classroom:

All three school-based centres offer unique spaces and experiences for children and families. 

Hours of operation for all three centres are 8:45am - 11:45am.

Friendly reminder: Registration is required before attending. Families must complete a short registration form and provide a copy of their child’s birth certificate by email or show it on their phone to a StrongStart facilitator for verification.

In addition to our school-based centres, StrongStart GO, our mobile StrongStart program, brings early learning opportunities to families at locations throughout the community. Whether you visit one of our school-based centres or join us at a StrongStart GO location, we look forward to welcoming you and your little one!

For more information about StrongStart programs, special events, and schedules for our school-based centres and StrongStart GO locations, visit our StrongStart and StrongStart GO Programs page.