It has been wonderful welcoming families back to StrongStart this Fall. While the centres have looked different from the past, we have been striving to continue to offer playful, child-centred experiences for families to enjoy in a safe way. Thank you for understanding our new policies in order to keep everyone safe and healthy. Starting January 2021, we are making some changes to our programming. Based on parent feedback, we hope to connect with you more in the New Year. We look forward to seeing you!

Due to COVID-19, please note the following changes to support safe and healthy spaces:

Pre-registration is required for each session.

Each session is open to a maximum of 4 families (1 adult and up to 3 children per family).

For indoor sessions, each family will be designated a playful area with designated materials. Families will remain in their playful area throughout the entire session.

Each session will run for 90 minutes. *Note: Please check specific locations for new days/hours*

Masks are mandatory for adults. *Note: Please bring your own as they won't be provided* 

**NEW SCHEDULE**

How to Register for New Families

If you are interested in joining StrongStart, please email strongstart@sd43.bc.ca  to register.  

To register, you will be required to email the following documents:

• A completed and signed StrongStart application form – download here
• A photocopied/scanned proof of your child's birthdate (as listed on the application form)
• A photocopied/scanned parent's proof of residency (as listed on the application form)

*If you have no access to the internet or printer, please email strongstart@sd43.bc.ca  or call 604-937-6381 for an alternative

How to Register for a​ Session

Sign up will be open every Wednesday at 9:00am for the following week.

Families can register for a session by emailing strongstart@sd43.bc.ca and indicating the following information:

1. Name and phone number of parent/caregiver attending
   
2. Name and age of each child attending 
3. Location you would like to attend
4. Date you are requesting  

An email will be sent to confirm your space at the session reques​ted.

Due to the reduced capacity and hours, families are welcome to attend one session per week unless otherwise communicated by your StrongStart teacher.

Environments

 INDOOR CLASSROOM

• Centres will be organized into four playful areas.
• Each family will be designated a playful area with designated materials.
• Families will remain in their playful areas throughout the session.

 
OUTDOOR CLASSROOM

• Play spaces will be pre-designated either on the school grounds or within the local community. *Note: Please contact strongstart@bc.ca or the outdoor StrongStart teacher for details
• Site assessments will be conducted prior to each session to ensure safety.
• Families will remain outdoors for the duration of the session unless extreme weather events. Please dress appropriately for all weather conditions.

 
HYGIENE, CLEANING AND DISINFECTING

• Masks are mandatory for all adults. Adults are required to bring their own.
• StrongStart teachers will wash their hands frequently.
• StrongStart teachers and participants will practice physical distancing whenever possible.
• No food will be permitted in the program, except for water bottles.
• Families are encouraged to use the bathroom at home before arriving.
• Signs are posted to inform families of precautions. Please read these.
• Regular cleaning and disinfecting will be conducted for all high touch point areas and materials.

 
ENTERING AND EXITING THE STRONGSTART CENTRE
Meet at the predetermined location and time.

• StrongStart teachers will wait for all participants to arrive. There will be no late entries. Please arrive on time.
• If you are unable to attend, please contact strongstart@sd43.bc.ca ASAP.
• All families will complete a daily health assessment and confirm attendance upon greeting.
• Participants will sanitize their hands and adults will wear masks for the duration of all StrongStart sessions.
• Participants will enter and exit all indoor sessions while maintaining physical distancing.