December 3, 2009
Squamish Strongstart BC Centre Open for Preschoolers

SQUAMISH - West Vancouver-Sea to Sky MLA Joan McIntyre joined teachers, parents, caregivers, district staff and children today to officially open the StrongStart BC early learning centre at Valleycliffe Elementary school.

"This new centre will provide a wonderful opportunity for youngsters and their families to play and learn together," said McIntyre. "StrongStart BC centres also help parents and caregivers by giving them valuable strategies on how to prepare their children for school and life."

StrongStart BC is a free early learning program for preschool-aged 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 program, and over 100 new StrongStart BC programs will open this year. StrongStart BC centres help fulfil government's commitment to use underutilized school district space to deliver early learning services.

The Squamish school district has received $50,000 for the Valleycliffe Elementary StrongStart BC centre. This includes $20,000 to prepare in-school space, including renovations and the purchase of new equipment and learning materials and $30,000 to fund this year's operating costs, including staff, professional development, supplies and healthy snacks.

"These programs give our district's youngest learners the greatest chance for success," said Sea-to-Sky board of education chair Dave Walden. "This is an excellent example of the collaboration between districts and the government to give children the strong foundation they need to begin school."

Since 2001, the Province has invested $1.2 billion in literacy and literacy-related initiatives, such as StrongStart BC early learning programs, almost $15 million to operate the kindergarten readiness program Ready, Set, Learn and $2.7 million for the LEAP BC program that encourages literacy, physical activity and healthy eating in preschool-aged children.

Government has committed $151 million over two years to implement optional full day kindergarten for all five-year-olds in B.C. Full day kindergarten will be available for up to 50 per cent of kindergarten students in 2010, and for every five-year-old starting school in 2011.

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