EARLY LEARNING FRAMEWORK

The BC Early Learning Framework guides and supports the work that we do in SD22 with our youngest learners from birth to 8 years old.

The Framework provides a vision for respectfully living and learning together and creates a common language and increased understanding of the vital importance of early learning for all young children in SD22, from our StrongStart BC programs to our primary classrooms.

We are using the Early Learning Framework to:

• Support dialogue and reflection among educators regarding the importance of the development and learning of young children
• Guide the decisions we make with our early learning programs and activities
• Encourage discussion with families about their child’s early learning
• Shape our professional development opportunities for educators

BC Early Learning Framework

Early Learning Framework: A Guide for Families

STRONGSTART BC

StrongStart Poster 2021-2022

Our StrongStart locations provide early learning programs for parents/caregivers and their pre-school children ages birth to 5 years.

At no cost to families, our drop-in programs allow children to make friends and interact with other children of similar age in a high-quality learning environment.

Facilitated by passionate Early Childhood Educators, our StrongStart programs engage families in meaningful learning experiences and help families learn ways to support their child’s development both at the program and in the home.

StrongStart programs open Monday, September 13th, 2021! Join us at any of our locations for play-based early learning activities including stories, music, art & more!

Alexis Park Elementary School:
Monday – Friday, 8:30-11:30am & 12:00-3:00pm
4205 – 35 Street, Vernon
StrongStart Coordinator: Cori Novakowski
Contact: 250-545-7289

Mission Hill Elementary School:
Monday – Friday, 8:30-11:30am
1510 – 36th Street, Vernon
StrongStart Coordinator: Gail Cunningham
Contact: 250-545-0639

Okanagan Landing Elementary School:
Monday – Friday, 8:30-11:30am
7322 Grant Road, Vernon
StrongStart Coordinator: Lori Webb
Contact: 250-542-1181

Register on your first visit with legal proof of identification for your child.
StrongStart Registration Form

2021-2022 School Year: To ensure the health and safety of children, families, and staff, all adults are required to wear masks indoors at our StrongStart BC programs. We ask that families select the location that best suits your needs and attend only that one location.  

StrongStart Closure Schedule

September 30, 2021
October 11, 2021
November 11, 2021
December 20, 2021 – January 3, 2022 – All StrongStart Centres will be closed for winter break
February 21, 2022
February 24/25, 2022
March 21, 2022 – April 2, 2022 – All StrongStart Centres will be closed for spring break
April 15, 2022
April 18, 2022
May 23, 2022

Please note that all StrongStart Centres will close for the summer and the final day of programming will be Thursday, June 23, 2022.

If you have questions about our StrongStart programs, please contact:

Jennifer Friesen
District Vice Principal of Early Learning
jfriesen@sd22.bc.ca | 250-542-3331

In partnership with BGC Okanagan, there will be new Early Learning & Child Care Centres at Alexis Park Elementary, Mission Hill Elementary, Ellison Elementary, and Harwood Elementary.

Watch this space for more information to come Spring 2022!

SD22 is pleased to announce that we are a pilot site for the Ministry of Education’s Seamless Day Kindergarten program!

Seamless Day is a unique program that provides before & after school care for Kindergarten students and other school-aged students, as space allows.  Students connect with familiar educators throughout the day, which allows the educators to support children and expand on their interests, curiosities, and wonders.  the team of educators includes two Early Childhood Educators who also work alongside the Kindergarten teachers in the classrooms during the school day.

Seamless Day Kindergarten Before & After School Child Care Program at Okanagan Landing Elementary

In partnership with BGC Okanagan, SD22 is pleased to offer PALS: Parents as Literacy Supporters

This early learning program provides parents and caregivers strategies to support their kindergarten-aged children’s learning in fun and interactive ways.  PALS sessions focus on the importance of Linking Literacy and Play.

Details for 2021-2022 PALS early learning events will be coming soon!

Join Us for Ready, Set, Learn!

Intended for families and their three-to-five-year-old children, Ready, Set, Learn is all about fostering positive connections between families, the school system, and local community agencies.

You are invited to take part in play-based activities with your child at your local elementary school.  Enjoy a storybook for every family to take home.

Please contact your local school to register! 

Ready, Set, Learn events provide a fun, family-oriented atmosphere with the intent of supporting children’s transitions into school.

Ready, Set, Learn flyer