Supporting our youngest learners from birth to 8 years old.
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:
StrongStart programs open Monday, September 12th, 2022!
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 12th, 2022! 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
StrongStart Closure Schedule
September 26 & 30, 2022
October 10 & 21, 2022
November 10 & 11, 2022
December 23, 2022 – January 6, 2023 – All StrongStart Centres will be closed for winter break
February 17 & 20, 2023
March 20-31 2023 – All StrongStart Centres will be closed for spring break
April 7 & 10, 2023
May 15 & 22, 2023
Please note that all StrongStart Centres will close for the summer and the final day of programming will be Wednesday, June 28th, 2022.
If you have questions about our StrongStart programs, please contact:
Jennifer Friesen
District Principal of Early Learning & Child Care
jfriesen@sd22.bc.ca
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 for 2022-2023!
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.
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!
Full-Day Kindergarten
School District 22 (Vernon) offers Full Day Kindergarten at most of our elementary schools, including Full Day French Immersion Kindergarten.
A full day, play-based kindergarten program has many benefits for a child’s academic and social skills. Children can start Full Day Kindergarten in September of the year they turn five years old.
In School District 22 (Vernon) kindergarten classrooms, children are strong, capable in their uniqueness, and full of potential. Schools partner with families in their child’s learning journey, believing that families have the most important role in contributing to children’s well-being and belonging.
We look forward to welcoming children to kindergarten in School District 22 (Vernon)!
BC Ministry of Education and Child Care Full Day Kindergarten
Welcome to Kindergarten
All schools host Welcome to Kindergarten (WTK) events to meet registered children and their parents/caregivers. WTK focuses on fun, play-based learning experiences and is an opportunity for children and families to get to know a variety of school staff. At WTK, families are provided with a bag full of activities to support learning at home.
For more information on Welcome to Kindergarten, contact your local school Principal or visit www.thelearningpartnership.ca
Kindergarten Gradual Entry
Kindergarten gradual entry is an important transition phase and is focused on the children experiencing success. During the kindergarten gradual entry period, children attend school for shorter periods of time to allow for a smooth and successful transition to Full Day Kindergarten. Gradual entry also allows for families to share important information about their child.
All schools in School District 22 (Vernon) follow a kindergarten gradual entry program. Your school will contact you to share your child’s gradual entry plan.
Staff Resources
