The Abbotsford School district will be opening its 12th StrongStart site, Friday, January 10, at Harry Sayers Elementary school.
EVENT: Opening celebration of the Abbotsford School District’s 12th StrongStart site
WHEN: Friday, January 10, Noon to 2pm. (Welcome and opening remarks at 12 noon; ribbon cutting at 12:15pm; activities 12:15 to 1:30pm.)
WHERE: Harry Sayers Elementary school, 31321 Blueridge Dr.
On October 1, 2013, the Abbotsford Board of Education approved an expansion of the StrongStart program already in place at Harry Sayers Elementary, to create the district’s 12th StrongStart Centre.
All of the district’s Strong Starts are at capacity, but the existing Harry Sayers site is particularly challenged given the overwhelming number of interested parents. Creating a second StrongStart at the school will allow the significant number of interested caregivers and children to attend on a more regular basis so as to fully benefit from the supports available through the site.
Early learning is a significant priority in Abbotsford School District. Like many other jurisdictions around the province, the district has become heavily invested in providing the highest quality and engaging services for children ages 0-8.
Pre-schools, StrongStarts, and even day cares have become a key part of the district’s work as we learn more about the significance of early experiences. StrongStart is a positive development, because it is no ordinary pre-school: a caregiver must be in attendance with the child, and a skilled facilitator works with a parent and the child with tried and true approaches that can be transferred to the home.