A program offered through the Abbotsford school district is helping to prepare kids for kindergarten.
Ready Set Learn (RSL), an early-learning initiative of the Ministry of Education, is offered at all 30 elementary schools in the district, as well as at Abbotsford Virtual School.
This year’s program is open to children born in 2009 or 2010, and they attend with their parents for the one-hour session.
Every child receives a bag of learning supplies, and parents are given resources and ideas about how to support their children in using the materials.
“Ready Set Learn is all about providing family support for a young child’s early learning and development,” said Dave Stephen, communications manager with the Abbotsford school district.
“This support develops positive connections between families and the school system and local community agencies.”
Expansion of RSL in Abbotsford has included a series of literacy sessions at some elementary schools, preschool storytimes in school libraries, and community literacy fairs.
Complementing RSL, there are 12 StrongStart centres in Abbotsford. These are free drop-in early-learning programs for preschool-aged children accompanied by a parent or caregiver.
The StrongStart centres include stories, music and art that help develop children’s language, physical, cognitive, social and emotional development. Remaining RSL sessions take place: May 5 at King Traditional at 4 p.m.; May 6 at Ten-Broeck at 10 a.m. and Mountain at 2 p.m.; and May 7 at Mt. Lehman at 9:30 a.m.
Those interested are asked to register at the school where they plan to attend the session.
For more information about Ready Set Learn or to find out where StrongStart programs are located, visit sd34.bc.ca/programs/early-learning-strongstarts-readysetlearn.
