StrongStart
The first day of StrongStart program for the school year 2025-2026 will be Wednesday, September 10th. For Cook, Renfrew, Tecumseh, and Xpey' StrongStart, the first day will be Thursday, September 11th. We look forward to seeing both new and returning families! Each centre will also have a documents verification day for new families on either September 5th or 8th. For more information, please check the important dates section below.
Early Learning with StrongStart Programs
StrongStart is a free drop-in program offered to parents and caregivers with children ages zero to five years old. StrongStart program emphasizes learning through play, language and positive social interactions.
StrongStart provides a rich learning environment, designed for early learning development. Qualified early childhood educators lead learning activities where children find opportunities to make friends and interact with others of similar ages. The overall learning experience is shared as parents and caregivers attend with their children and are encouraged to get involved in activities like telling stories, playing games and serving healthy snacks. English as a first language is not necessary to attend a StrongStart program.
There are 19 StrongStart programs operating in elementary schools across Vancouver. Check our to view locations and operation hours.
Program Details:
- All children are welcome!
- All Vancouver StrongStart programs operate with drop-in format on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Each participant can have only one adult and up to three children.
- You will be required to sign-in when you enter the classroom.
- Please do not attend if you or your child is sick.
- Frequent handwashing is encouraged.
Returning Families:
If your child has previously enrolled and participated in StrongStart, there's no requirement to re-register them for the same StrongStart center. Please download and bring in completed to your StrongStart centre if this is your first visit this school year.
Adding Locations:
If you like to add a Vancouver StrongStart location(s) to your child's registration, please email your request to strongstart@vsb.bc.ca with your child’s legal name and the date of birth.
New Families:
In order to register your child for StrongStart, please complete below steps. Our registration is open throughout the school year from September to end of June.
Step 1:
Step 2: Verifying Documentation
- Please bring in below documents to your primary StrongStart centre for verification on your first visit. Appointment is not required. Please drop-in during operation hours.
- Documents verification can also be done at the Early Learning Centre at Mackenzie Elementary School (Room 169 - 960 39th Ave E, Vancouver) between 9:30am - 12:30pm or 2pm - 3:30pm Monday to Friday, starting Friday, September 5th.
Proof of Child’s Birthdate
One of:
□ Canadian birth certificate
□ Canadian passport
□ Immigration Canada Document
□ Permanent Resident Card (front and back)
AND
Proof of Residency showing Parent/Guardian Name
One of:
□ BC Driver’s License or Enhanced BC Driver’s License
□ Hydro/Gas/Cable Bill
□ Utility/Municipal Tax bill
□ Residential Tenancy Agreement
- Please also download and bring in completed to each centre you attend.
- You are not required to bring in a printed copy of the application form that you receive to your email after online application is completed.
Important Dates and Closure Schedule for the 2025-2026 School Year:
Friday, September 5 - Collingwood AM/PM, Cook, Douglas, Cunningham, Henderson, Mackenzie AM/PM, Moberly, Mt. Pleasant, Queen Alexandra AM/PM, Renfrew, and Tecumseh will be open for documents verification for new families. New families are welcome to drop-in during the operation hours.
Monday, September 8 - Champlain Annex, Selkirk, Thunderbird and Waverley will be open for documents verification for new families. New families are welcome to drop-in during the operation hours.
Wednesday, September 10 - First day of the program for Champlain Annex, Collingwood AM/PM, Douglas, Cunningham, Henderson, Mackenzie AM/PM, Moberly, Mt. Pleasant, Queen Alexandra AM/PM, Selkirk, Thunderbird, and Waverley
Thursday, September 11 - First day of the program for Cook, Renfrew, Tecumseh, and Xpey'
Friday, September 19 - All StrongStart centres and Mackenzie Early Learning Centre will be closed
Monday, September 22 - Douglas StrongStart centre will be closed
Wednesday, September 24 - Collingwood AM/PM StrongStart will be closed
Friday, September 26 - Renfrew StrongStart will be closed
Monday, September 29 -Selkirk StrongStart will be closed
Friday, October 24 - All StrongStart centres will be closed
Friday, November 21 - All StrongStart centres and Mackenzie Early Learning Centre will be closed
Monday, December 22 to Friday, January 2 - All StrongStart centres and Mackenzie Early Learning Centre will be closed for winter break
Monday, January 5 - All StrongStart centres and Mackenzie Early Learning Centre will re-open after winter break
Please note that all StrongStart Centres and the Mackenzie Early Learning Centre will also be closed on any statutory holidays.
Any questions about our StrongStart program, please contact our Early Learning Centre:
604-713-4445 or strongstart@vsb.bc.ca