StrongStart program opens in Sparwood
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Updated: November 12, 2009 3:22 PM
The official opening of the StrongStart B.C. early learning centre at Frank J. Mitchell Elementary School was held Monday in Sparwood. Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett joined Southeast Kootenay district staff, parents, caregivers and children today in opening the new centre.
"There is no better investment we can make as a society than to support the education and development of our youngest learners," said Bennett. "Centres such as this give children and their caregivers the opportunity to learn, play and grow together."
StrongStart B.C. is a free early learning program for pre-school-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.
"We decided a few years back that we wanted to focus on the 0-6 year old age class of children," said Bennett. "That's where we can make the most impact. Research shows that the program prepares children for kindergarten and makes them better prepared from high school."
The Southeast Kootenay school district has received $47,000 for the StrongStart B.C. centre at Frank J. Mitchell Elementary. This includes $20,000 to prepare in-school space, including renovations and the purchase of new equipment and learning materials.
This centre is a tremendous addition to the Southeast Kootenay school district," said School District #5 superintendent Bill Gook. "It's a great resource for parents and will give local children the tools they need to succeed when they first enter school."
The government has also 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 to 50 per cent of kindergarten students in 2010 and for every five-year-old starting school in 2011.
"The more we can do for children before they reach six or seven, the greater the benefit," said Bennett.
