So, now that you’ve got the big kids packed up and off to school five days a week again, it’s time to start thinking about logging some learning time with the little ones.

We thought long and hard about preschool this year and - since deciding to definitely go the homeschool route for the tiny person - went the other direction.

It’s not that we aren’t doing “preschool” though.

The tiny person is craving some serious routine and structure (me too). So, it is with much relief that I report in that StrongStart kicks off Monday morning at 8:45 a.m. (Thursday for Courtenay Middle)

For those folks who don’t know what StrongStart is, it’s a provincially-funded early education program for children ages birth to 5 getting them ready for kindergarten through learning basic skills, enjoying stories and a whole lot of age-appropriate free play. There’s no charge for this incredible program and - besides being an absolutely fantastic way to get your kiddos ready for the classroom - it’s a fantastic escape from the rain and the cold of the Fall and Winter months.

Due to the grade reconfiguration and school closures the district’s StrongStart locations have moved and expanded, adding one new spot to the list.

Strong Start programs are at three schools including:

Courtenay Elementary on McPhee Drive with facilitator Carlene Steeves
The former Courtenay Middle School on Mission Road with facilitator Colleen Friendship
Brooklyn Elementary in Comox with facilitator Maureen Wagner.

(thanks to Maureen for all of the details)

All 3 programs will run Monday to Friday from 8:45 - 11:45 when school is open.

If you are a little nervous or just want a chance to get out and meet the facilitators, they’ll be at Kidsfest this weekend. So, stop by, say hi and meet them.

Then, build StrongStart into the schedule for those kiddos in your under 5 crowd. It’s amazing.

We’ll see you there.