StrongStart

StrongStart

What is a StrongStart Centre?

StrongStart Programs provide opportunities for early learning through play in an environment carefully designed to encourage exploration and discovery. Qualified Early Childhood Educators provide a variety of activities designed to encourage children on their learning path alongside their parents and caregivers before they enter school.

StrongStart is a free program for 0-5 (pre-Kindergarten), with their parents/grandparents/caregivers to attend. Parents and Caregivers are expected to be actively involved and engaged with their child during the StrongStart visit, so that there is optimum child development and shared learning. StrongStart supports the development of young children consistent with the goals of the British Columbia Early Learning Framework.

StrongStart Information

A Drop in opportunity for 0-5 (year olds Pre-K) with their parents/caregivers.  Drop in, stay as long as you want to participate with your child during the open time. Registration information is below.  

Our StrongStart centres will be open Wednesday September 10, to Friday June 23, 2026.  The centres follow the school calendar HERE

Centre Hours

Brentwood Elementary

Monday / Wednesday/ Friday 12:45 – 3:45 pm
Tuesday / Thursday 8:30 – 1130 am
Outside Entrance is on Wallace Drive - right side close to portable.
Lochside Elementary

Monday / Wednesday / Friday 8:30 am – 11:30 am
Tuesday / Thursday 12:45 – 3:45 pm
Outside Entrance is on left front of school.
Sidney Elementary

Monday to Friday 8:30 am – 11:30 am
Outside Entrance off of Henry in the courtyard.

The centres are closed for the following days through the year:

  • Monday, September 22, 2025 – Ministry Priorities – Indigenous Education
  • Friday, September 26 - District Centre Based
  • Friday, October 24, 2025 – Province Wide
  • Friday, October 31, 2025 - District Centre Based
  • Friday, November 21, 2025 – School Based
  • Friday, November 28, 2025 - District Centre Based
  • Friday, December19, 2025 - District Centre Based
  • Friday, January 30, 2026 - District Centre Based
  • Friday, February 13, 2026 – Individual (Tri-District)
  • Friday February 27, 2026 - District Centre Based
  • Monday, April 20, 2026 – School Based
  • Friday, April 24, 2026 - District Centre Based
  • Friday, May 15, 2026 – School Based
  • Friday, May 29, 2026 - District Centre Based

 

StrongStart Registration

Please note all registrations are electronic.  You will need a valid personal email address. All documents must be included and are uploaded online securely.  A separate submission is required for each child.

Before you begin, you will need all of the following:

  1. Valid email address 
  2. Proof of Vitas Statistics Document (Birth Certificate) or valid Passport or Status Card or Identification issued by Immigration Canada 
  3. Student’s health card 

Your child’s initial registration into a StrongStart BC program will also mark the beginning of their educational record in B.C. and they will receive a Personal Education Number (PEN). 

Once the registration package is received you may attend StrongStart. 

Questions? Feel free to contact us at cablitt@saanichschools.ca

 

Register now

Inquiries:

Jenni Erickson

District Teacher Leader, Early Learning

c/o Carolynn Ablitt, District Secretary

cablitt@saanichschools.ca