StrongStart

Welcome to Fernwood Elementary School’s StrongStart Program! 

At StrongStart, we offer a unique early learning experience for children (aged birth to five) and their families. Our aim is to foster a positive, interactive, play-based environment that not only promotes learning but also brings joy to the process. Through activities like music, art, and play, we help children develop essential skills. We also stress the importance of connecting our early learners with the wider school community, which helps them feel more at ease when they eventually transition into the school environment.

Families are a child's first teacher. SD64 StrongStart is a BC Ministry of Education and Child Care-funded early learning program where caregivers and their children are supported by skilled early childhood educators. Following the BC Early Learning Framework, educators create rich learning environments thoughtfully designed to foster play-based learning and support early learning development (i.e., language, physical, cognitive, social, and emotional learning). Families are active participants in supporting their children during StrongStart programming.

• StrongStart operates on a drop-in basis on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. from October to June in alignment with the SD64 Instructional Calendar.
• When each child first attends, caregivers need to complete a registration form. Please bring a copy of a government-issued ID, such as a birth certificate, for your child to show proof of age. 
• All families are also asked to sign in each day of attendance. 
• If you or your child are ill, please plan to attend on another day.

Please contact the school for additional details by emailing our program early childhood educator, Rosamund Henbrey.