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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 9, 2026 to Tueseday June 25, 2027.  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
Portable –  Entrance off of Henry Avenue.

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

  • Friday September 25, ,2026 - Ministry Priorities - Indigenous Education

  • Friday October 23, 2026 - Province Wide Non Instructional 

  • Friday November 27, 2026 - School Based Non Instructional 

  • Friday January 29, 2027 - District Centre Based Non Instructional 

  • Friday February 26, 2027 - District Centre Based Non Instructional 

  • Monday April 19, 2027 - School Based Non Instructional 

  • Friday May 21, 2027 - School Based Non Instructional 

 

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

 

Inquiries:

Cat Jensen

District Teacher Leader, Child Care & Early Learning

c/o Carolynn Ablitt, District Secretary

cablitt@saanichschools.ca