Comments on: Strong Start a haven for preschoolers (and their mums)

By: @NewWestMommy

@NewWestMommy — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 01:59:00 +0000

excellent program in queensborough too!

By: Briana Tomkinson

Briana Tomkinson — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 21:13:26 +0000

Hi Janna,

I also wish there was more support for working parents. I didn't find, however, that StrongStart was primarily for stay-at-home parents. Unlike Family Place, which does require that the kids are brought by a relative, StrongStart is also open to nannies and home daycare providers. There were a few that I encountered there. Whereas kids who are in a group daycare setting get opportunities to socialize with other kids daily, kids who are cared for by an at-home parent may not get as much opportunity to mix with large groups of other children. While there are some advantages for kids to have an at-home parent, there are also some disadvantages (such as access to socialize with kids). With the cost of childcare being what it is, I suspect that a number of the parents who stay home are not those whose spouses earn enough that they can afford to. It's those who don't make enough to justify the cost of childcare! Those who are squeezed most are middle-income families who earn too much to qualify for subsidies, but not enough to make ends meet.

By: Janna

Janna — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 21:03:11 +0000

It's a shame that so much money is being put into StrongStart programs which are mainly attended by parents and grandparents who are home with their children. What about the children who can't attend because both parents have to work plus pay childcare fees with no subsidy from the government unless your family income is under $30 000. The money could be better spent on those who really need it. Children whose parents are staying home with them already have an advantage, so who is this program really for? Definitely not for kids who really need it most.

By: ASH

ASH — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 18:00:17 +0000

I heard about this program. I really like it. Can anyone please tell me is there any program like this in calgary too? If yes, then where it is? Thanks in advance.

By: anonymous

anonymous — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 07:30:59 +0000

Thanks Betina, … and for those of you who have yet to visit the Connaught Heights school site, you are in for a most delightful bonus, the playground adjacent to the school is absolutely picturesque! The children love it! … and there are tennis courts too! The program, the site, the staff! Do take the time to visit; this is good for New Westminster families!

By: Betina Ali

Betina Ali — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 03:26:11 +0000

Thanks Briana for doing such a wonderful story. It is a wonderful program, and we have hired some pretty special staff to facilitate it.

For those of you who live in the west end and are interested in the Connaught Heights site, it will be open weekday afternoons from 12:30 to 3:30 starting March 29th.

This program will be an exciting partnership between NW Parks Culture and Recreation and the School District. The current Tiny Tot Playtime room will be expanded upon to accomodate the centre in the afternoon. It will be the first designated early learning space in the District.

Betina Ali
Community Program Developmnt Officer
Student Services, SD No. 40

By: Jen

Jen — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 03:13:10 +0000

I am glad you convinced me to come try it out! Kale really loves “gym time” and I love that he loves it because we come home from Strong Start and he is one tuckered out little boy. We really enjoy Family Place as well, but this added ability to have gym time means that Strong Start is working so well for us right now.

By: Kathleen

Kathleen — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:13:19 +0000

Wow- That program sounds so amazing! With so many very expensive programs out there it is great to have such a well run program that is free! I will have to look and see if I can find something similar in Calgary. We have great free programs at the Library- but they are just focused on songs and rhymes and lack this 'preschool prep' component.