Early Learning

 

“Nurturing a sense of well-being and belonging supports children as they learn about and investigate the world around them. This sense is fostered through reciprocal relationships with people and places where each child is valued both as a gift and for their gifts – a feeling of being grounded in their immediate environment, their communities, their culture, and the wider world” (Early Learning Framework, 2019).

 

In the Sooke School District, early learning philosophies are supported and guided by the British Columbia Early Learning Framework. The early years (from birth to age 8) are a critically important time in human development. We recognize that learning is a “holistic process that happens as children and adults come together in relationship with each other, ideas, materials, places, and histories”. (Early Learning Framework). To build connections and sense of belonging as well as enrich children’s development we offer free programming for ages 0-5 including Strong Start, and Ready, Set, Learn.

Ready, Set, Learn

Ready, Set, Learn is a Ministry of Education and childcare funded program focused on building connections with community, children, families, as well as supporting the transition into kindergarten. Events will have a focus on engaging in playful activities designed for ages 3-5. 

Dates for the Ready, Set, Learn events will be posted in early 2027. 

Strong Start BC 

This is a free program for families that provide play-based opportunities that support children’s growth and development. Qualified early childhood educators lead learning invitations where children find opportunities to build connections through play and interact with others of similar ages. This free play-based program for children aged birth-five requires parent participation. Children will engage in play-based activities including stories, music and art.

How to Register

To register, Participants must bring their child’s birth certificate or passport to register for this free drop-in program. Space is limited each day on a first come, first serve basis. Please keep your child(ren) home if they are sick. Strong Start programming runs from September to June and follows the SD62 Calendar. Please contact the individual school for questions about programming, closures and registration. When programming is outdoors, please ensure your child(ren) are dressed for the weather.

Where is Strong Start offered?

Colwood Elementary

Address: 3000 Wishart Road

Office: (250) 478-2332

8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | Monday - Friday (indoors)

Crystal View Elementary

Address: 2662 Silverstone Way

Office: (250) 478-0576

8:45 - 11:45 a.m. | Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri (indoors)

8:45 - 11:45 a.m. | Thurs (Goldie Park)

Hans Helgesen Elementary

Address: 4983 Rocky Point Road. Victoria

Office: (250) 478-3431

8:30 - 11:30 a.m. | Tuesday (indoors at the Hans Helgesen Annex)

12:30 – 3:00 p.m. | Wednesday (outdoors, please dress for the weather)

Monthly rotating locations

1st Wednesday of the month - Witty's Lagoon

Week 2 - East Sooke Park

Week 3 - Devonian Regional Park

Week 4 - Matheson Lake

Ruth King Elementary

Address: 2764 Jacklin Road

Office: (250) 478-8368

8:35 - 11:35 a.m. | Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri (indoors)

8:45-11:15 a.m. | Thurs at Centennial Park on Carlow Road - (outdoors)

Sooke Elementary

Address: 6560 Sooke Road

Office: (250) 642-5431

8:30 - 11:30 a.m. | Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri (indoors)

11:45 - 2:45 pm | Tues (outdoors)

Willway Elementary

Address: 2939 Mt. Wells Drive

Office: (250) 478-1213

8:50 - 11:50 a.m. | Mon to Fri (indoors)

Resources for Families

Local Resources: