Nanaimo-Info-blog

STRONGSTART BC CENTRES
OPEN IN NANAIMO FOR FAMILIES

Nanaimo-Parksville MLA Ron Cantelon joined Nanaimo-Ladysmith Board of Education chair Donna Allen, parents, caregivers and district staff today to celebrate the official opening of StrongStart BC early learning centres at Woodbank Primary, Ecole Quarterway Elementary and Ladysmith Primary schools.

“Three StrongStart BC centres give parents in this district the choice of where they want to access this valuable resource for their children,” said Cantelon. “By working together with the school district and community, our government is helping preschool-age children to start school with the skills they need to succeed.”

StrongStart BC is a free drop-in early learning program for preschool-age children accompanied by a parent or caregiver. A qualified early childhood educator leads activities, including stories, music, and arts, to help children grow linguistically, emotionally and socially, and become comfortable in a school-like setting.

All of B.C.’s 60 school districts have been offered the opportunity to participate in the StrongStart BC program. The Province is investing $43 million to expand the StrongStart BC program. The StrongStart BC centres also help fulfil government’s election platform to be the best-educated, most literate jurisdiction on the continent and throne speech commitments to use underutilized school district space as centres to deliver early-learning services.

“Throughout the province, StrongStart BC centres are helping families prepare their youngest for a great start to their school years,” said Education Minister Shirley Bond. “Having a focus on early literacy skills is essential to long term success for children and StrongStart BC is making a difference for thousands of families.”

The Nanaimo school district has received $50,000 for each StrongStart BC centre for a total of $150,000 for the three locations. This includes $20,000 each to prepare in-school space at Woodbank Primary, Ecole Quarterway Elementary and Ladysmith Primary schools, including renovations and the purchase of new equipment and learning materials. As well, the three schools are receiving $30,000 each to fund this year’s operating costs, including staff, professional development, supplies and healthy snacks.

“We are pleased to have three more StrongStart BC centre in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith school district,” said Donna Allen, board of education chair. “These new centres are a valuable asset to our communities and will help our children succeed in school and in their futures.”