VICTORIA - The Province is expanding the StrongStart BC early learning program by adding centres throughout B.C. to help preschool-age children get ready for kindergarten, Education Minister Shirley Bond announced today.

"We know that nearly one out of four kindergarten students is not developmentally ready to start school," Bond said. "These early learning centres are part of our plan to improve pre-literacy skills so that B.C. children have the best possible start in school and in life."

All of B.C.'s 60 school districts have been offered the opportunity to participate in the program and almost all districts plan to open one or more StrongStart BC centres to benefit families in their community. The Province is providing a total of $5 million for up to 80 StrongStart BC centres as part ReadNow BC, the new provincial literacy plan.

StrongStart BC centres use underutilized school space to offer a free drop-in program for parents or caregivers and their children. Qualified early childhood educators lead learning activities, including stories, music and art to help children grow linguistically, physically and socially, and become comfortable in a school-like environment.

"This initiative gives preschool-age children the opportunity to meet and make connections with other children attending the centre," said Tom Christensen, Minister of Children and Family Development. "It builds on our commitment to ensure all B.C.'s children develop language and other skills for success in school."

StrongStart BC centres fulfil an election platform and throne speech commitment to use underutilized school spaces as centres to deliver early learning services. Like the School Community Connections program that provides community access to underutilized school space, StrongStart BC centres turn the challenge of declining enrolment into an opportunity. Since 2001, enrolment in B.C. schools has decreased by more than 50,000 students.

"Families and caregivers who attend these centres will be supported and encouraged to interact with their children to support early learning," said Linda Reid, Minister of State for Childcare. "They will also learn how to support their children's learning through play and pre literacy activities at home."

The StrongStart BC centre program complements recently introduced legislation to expand the role of school boards to include early learning and community literacy.

"School boards around B.C. are pleased to add StrongStart BC centres to their various efforts in early learning," said B.C. School Trustees Association president Penny Tees. "We recognize this is a key area and trustees are ready for the challenge an expanded mandate will bring."

The Province is committed to reaching its goal of making B.C. the best-educated, most literate jurisdiction on the continent. StrongStart BC centres are a part of government's overall plan to prepare students for success in school and improve literacy, and will build on Ready, Set, Learn, a kindergarten readiness program.

Over the last three years, the Province has provided $9 million to operate Ready, Set, Learn. Last year, the program was offered in 1,071 schools and served more than 17,000 preschoolers. StrongStart centres also complement the $2.7-million ActNow Literacy Education Activity and Play (LEAP BC) initiative that encourages literacy, physical activity and healthy eating in preschool-aged children.