Starting this September, families living in rural areas on the Sunshine Coast will have access to a new StrongStart BC early learning outreach program.
School District No. 46 will open the program to service north, south and central areas. It aims to reach out to isolated families living in remote communities.
The early learning outreach program enables children to learn through play and to interact with other children and a licensed early childhood educator. StrongStart BC centres also provide valuable referrals to community resources for parents, grandparents and caregivers.
"We are thrilled to be able to provide families with the opportunity to attend this valuable early learning program," said SD46 board chair Silas White in a news release. "The outreach will allow us to service a broad group of families who have not previously had access to the program in other areas of the Sunshine Coast."
Sechelt will see a special outreach program for teen parents called "Learning as Parents." StrongStart BC will work hand-in-hand with the program to provide students with early learning services and support for their children, while the teen parent program allows students to continue their secondary education.
SD46 will receive $52,000 for the new program, which includes $20,000 to purchase transportation for the mobile program, new equipment and learning materials. The remaining $32,000 will fund this year's operating costs including staff, professional development, supplies and healthy snacks.
Minister of Education George Abbott said over the last five years, the StrongStart BC program has grown from 12 pilot projects to 316 programs across the province, with another 10 opening this September.
