Please note this section is only updated the morning of any unforeseen closures. For other upcoming closures, please see 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 offer 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.

Program Locations & Operating Hours:

There are 19 StrongStart programs operating in elementary schools across Vancouver. See our STRONGSTART FLYER << click link 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. 

Important Dates & Upcoming Closures:

Please note all StrongStart Centres and Early Learning Centre are closed on statutory holidays.

New Families

To register your child for StrongStart, please complete steps below. Our registration is open throughout the school year from September to end of June.

Step 1: Complete an online application form << click link

Step 2: Verifying Documentation

• Please bring in documents listed below to your primary StrongStart Centre for verification on your first visit. Appointment is not required. Please drop-in during operation hours.
• Documents verification could also be done at the Early Learning Centre at Mackenzie Elementary School, address below.

Documents Required:

AND

Step 3: Download and bring in completed Media and CASL Consent Forms to each centre you attend (copies also available onsite). 

Notes:

• 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. 

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 Media and CASL Consent Forms to your StrongStart centre for your first visit this school year.

Adding Locations

If you would like to add a Vancouver StrongStart location(s) to your child's registration, parent/guardians must email request to strongstart@vsb.bc.ca and include:

1. Child’s legal first/last name
2. Child's date of birth
3. Name of school you wish to add

Notes:

• You may add as many centres you would like. 
• If you are a caregiver, please have the child's parent/guardian email us. 
• If you are adding Collingwood, Mackenzie and Queen Alexandra locations, AM and PM are separate programs; please specify if you like to add AM, PM, or both programs. 

For More Information

Please contact our Early Learning Centre: 

• Phone: 604-713-4445 
• Email: strongstart@vsb.bc.ca
• Address: 950 East 39th Ave, Vancouver, BC 
  • Mackenzie Elementary, West Building, Room 169
  • Monday - Friday
  • 9:00am - 12:00pm or 2:00pm - 3:30pm