| November 12, 2009 Ten Broeck StrongStart BC Centre Open for Preschoolers ABBOTSFORD - One of the province's newest StrongStart BC centres has officially opened at Ten Broeck Elementary school in the Abbotsford school district, Abbotsford-South MLA John van Dongen announced. "As a father and a grandfather, I know how important early learning opportunities are for young children," said van Dongen. "This StrongStart BC centre will not only provide those early learning experiences for young children, it will also provide valuable information and assistance for parents and caregivers as well." StrongStart BC is a free early learning program for preschool-aged children accompanied by a parent or caregiver. A qualified early childhood educator leads activities, including stories, music, and arts, to help children grow linguistically, emotionally and socially, and become comfortable in a school-like setting. All of B.C.'s 60 school districts have been offered the opportunity to participate in the StrongStart BC program. The Province is investing $43 million to expand the program and there will be over 100 new StrongStart BC centres opening this year. StrongStart BC centres help fulfil government's commitment to use underutilized school district space to deliver early learning services. The Abbotsford school district has received $50,000 for the Ten Broeck StrongStart BC centre. This includes $20,000 to prepare the centre's in-school space, including renovations and the purchase of new equipment and learning materials and $30,000 to fund this year's operating costs, including staff, professional development, supplies and healthy snacks. "I'm very proud that we now have eleven StrongStart BC centres up and running in Abbotsford," said Cindy Schafer, chair of the Abbotsford board of education. "I believe, our community is enriched in so many ways, both today and in the future, when we can offer children and families the benefits of early learning." Since 2001, the Province has invested $1.2 billion in literacy and literacy-related initiatives, including pre-literacy and early learning programs such as StrongStart BC early learning centres, almost $15 million to operate the kindergarten readiness program Ready, Set, Learn and $2.7 million for the LEAP BC program that encourages literacy, physical activity and healthy eating in preschool-aged children. Government has committed $151 million over two years to implement optional full day kindergarten for all five-year-olds in B.C. Full day kindergarten will be available to 50 per cent of kindergarten students in 2010 and for every five-year-old starting school in 2011. -30- | |
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