Strong Start

What is StrongStart?

A place where…families are valued and recognized as their child's very first and most important teacher
A place that…models and supports family literacy
A place to…meet other children and their families
A place which… reflects the language and cultures of the community
A place where…information on parenting concerns, child development, school facilities, and local community resources are readily available
A place where…learning is fun. Parents and caregivers play alongside their child, therefore encouraging early learning.
A place where…children can develop emotionally, socially, physically, cognitively

StrongStart is designed for preschool aged children and their parent/caregiver; however children from birth to six years of age are very welcome. We encourage the whole family to join us.

Why StrongStart?

One of the objectives of StrongStart is to ensure a successful transition into kindergarten. Families
who attend StrongStart become very comfortable in a school setting.

Their active involvement in their children's education is ensured through the early positive connection. Through play based problem solving activities found at StrongStart children can develop the literacy and numeracy concepts they need to have in place for success in kindergarten.

What We Do at Strongstart:

Drama station:
Children are given opportunities to learn about relationships. Through role playing they begin to understand others’ needs, wants, ideas and feelings; therefore they begin to explore the concept of empathy. They are encouraged to develop their imaginations enhancing their understanding of another person’s perception. The drama station encourages children to learn the social graces/niceties such as taking turns, listening to others, and sharing materials and space.

Construction station:
Children can construct and reconstruct their world. They’re encouraged to learn about shape, design and structure. Develop mathematical concepts such as size, measurement and weight and show pride in the structures they create.

Math/Manipulatives station:
Children are encouraged to learn how to discriminate and classify using clues of sizes, shape, colour and detail. They learn to count materials, relay patterns and to sequence. Children are also given opportunities to develop their small muscle control through manipulating small objects, a skill needed in the future when they are learning to print.

Registration and Location Information

Strong Start is a drop-in- program, parents and caregivers can come with their children to any location, at any time, during the hours posted below.

To register your child for Strong Start, please complete the following form and submit it to the Strong Start Facilitator at one of the listed schools. Please bring your child's birth certificate for staff to verify all information is completed accurately at the time of registration.

STRONG START REGISTRATION FORM http://www.mpsd.ca/Programs/earlylearning/strongstart/Pages/default.aspx

Cherry Hill Elementary
32557 Best Avenue
Mission, B.C. V2V 2S5
604-826-9239

Mission Central Elementary
7466 Welton Street
Mission, B.C. V2V 6X4
604-826-1414
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:30-11:30 am
Tuesday, Thursday: 12:00-3:00 pm
During school days
West Heights Community
32065 Van Velzen Avenue
Mission, B.C. V2V 2G6
604-826-6401
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 12:00-3:00 pm
Tuesday & Thursday: 8:30-11:30 am
During school days
Windebank Elementary
33570-11th Avenue
Mission, B.C. V2V 6Z2
604-826-2213
Mon., Wednesday & Friday: 8:30-11:30 am
Tuesday: 12:00-3:00 pm
During school days

Outreach Sites

Deroche Elementary
10340 N. Deroche Road
Deroche, B.C. V0M 1G0
604-826-2360
Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:30-11:30 am
During school days

Silverdale Elementary
29715 Donatelli Road
Mission, B.C. V2V 1H6
604-826-2526
Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 8:30-11:30 am
During school days

What is the cost of StrongStart?

There is no cost to families to participate at any of our six locations.