Early Years Initiatives
Government’s vision for British Columbia’s children and youth is that they have the opportunity to be the best they can be physically, socially, intellectually, and emotionally. The early years, from birth to age 8, set the foundation for lifelong learning. |
 |
As part of that commitment, the Ministry of Education shares responsibility for early learning with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Children and Family Development. Many community programs for young children and their families have an early learning component.
Early learning is defined as the knowledge, skills and dispositions that preschool children acquire in the years before school entry in key developmental domains: cognitive, physical, language and communication, social and emotional.
Early learning takes place in multiple settings: homes, preschools, child care environments, early learning centres, and other community settings. Children’s early learning is supported by parents, family members, the broader community, early childhood educators, and multiple other service providers.
This site provides information on the Ministry of Education’s early years initiatives. It also introduces links to web sites and print resources that can assist families, educators and caregivers to provide activities for children that support their development.
Full Day Kindergarten - In British Columbia, full day kindergarten is now available for all eligible students.
StrongStart BC - StrongStart BC early learning programs are offered in a number of school facilities across British Columbia. StrongStart BC programs offer preschool-aged children quality early learning experience. At no cost to the family, these programs offer play-based early learning opportunities and demonstrate for parents and caregivers how they can help their children develop.
Ready, Set, Learn - Ready, Set, Learn events are held in schools to help ensure that more children are ready for success when they enter Kindergarten.
Early Learning Framework - The British Columbia Early Learning Framework describes the vision, pedagogical principles, and key areas of learning for children birth to five years (before school entry).
