“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 SD62 offers various free programming such for ages 0-5 as Strong Start, Ready, Set, Learn, and SEY2KT.
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.
Details for events planned for the 2024-2025 school year will be posted here as the event dates approach.
SEY2KT (Strengthening Early Years to Kindergarten Transitions)
SEY2KT is a Ministry of Education and Child Care project, guided to strengthening connections between community partners and the school district to ensure seamless transitions into kindergarten. SEY2KT is hosting POP-UP plays in the Sooke area throughout the year in addition to other events.
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
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Monday - Friday (indoors)
Millstream Elementary
Address: 626 Hoylake Road
Office: (250) 478-8348
8:30 - 11:30 a.m. | Monday, Tuesday, Friday (indoors)
8:30 - 11:30 a.m. I Wednesday
8:30 - 11:30 a.m. | Thursday Goldie Park
Willway Elementary
Address: 2939 Mt. Wells Drive
Office: (250) 478-1213
8:50 - 11:50 a.m. | Mon to Fri (indoors)
Ruth King Elementary
Address: 2764 Jacklin Road
Office: (250) 478-8368
8:35 - 11:35 a.m. | Mon, Wed, Fri (indoors)
Tues & Thurs 8:45-11:45 a.m. at Centennial
Park on Carlow Road - (outdoors)
John Muir Elementary
7179 West Coast Road, Sooke
Office: (250) 642-5427
8:30 - 11:30 a.m. | Mon, Fri (indoors)
8:45 - 11:45 I Wed (indoors)
11:45 - 2:45 pm | Tues (outdoors)
8:30 - 11:30 am | Thurs (outdoors)
Hans Helgesen Elementary
Address: 4983 Rocky Point Road. Victoria
Office: (250) 478-3431
8:30 - 11:30 a.m. | Tuesday (indoors)
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
Resources for Families
- Early Learning Programs
- Parent & Child Drop-In Programs
- Child Care Resource and Referral
- Play Today: A guide for Families Play Today: A Guide for Families (gov.bc.ca)
- Early Learning Framework for Families: elf-a-guide-for-families.pdf (gov.bc.ca)
- When I go to Kindergarten Early Years: When I Go to Kindergarten (gov.bc.ca)
- Métis Family Connections - Early Years (Birth to Eight Years): Métis Family Connections - Early Years (Birth to Eight Years) | MNBC
Local Resources for Families:
- Sooke Family Resource Society: Sooke Family Resource Society | Home (sfrs.ca)
- Westshore Early Years Programs Sooke Family Resource Society | West Shore Early Years Programs (sfrs.ca)