Early Learning Programs

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Early Learning Program Resources

Support Your Child’s Transition to Kindergarten at Home

Starting Kindergarten is an exciting milestone for children and families. There are many simple and enjoyable ways to help your child build confidence, develop new skills, and get ready for this important step.

For helpful information, activities, and family resources, visit the Ministry of Education and Child Care’s Supporting the Transition to Kindergarten webpage.

You can also explore the When I Go to Kindergarten booklet with your child. This interactive resource encourages children and families to celebrate their strengths, interests, and accomplishments by recording things they enjoy, what they do well, and what is important to them. It can become a special keepsake for your family and, if you choose, can be shared with your child’s Kindergarten teacher to help them get to know your child before school begins.

The booklet also introduces families to the B.C. Early Learning Framework and its vision for children’s learning and development. For additional ideas and information, families may wish to explore the B.C. Early Learning Framework: A Guide for Families.

Together, these resources can help make the transition to Kindergarten a positive, confident, and successful experience for both children and their families.

Kinderquest

Kinderquest is a transition-to-kindergarten program designed for children with diverse learning needs and their families. The program helps children become familiar with school routines, build confidence, and develop positive connections before starting Kindergarten.

Before school begins in September, children attend Kinderquest alongside a parent, caregiver, or other important family member. Over the course of a week, children participate in a small group setting with peers and engage in fun, school-based activities that reflect many of the experiences they will encounter in Kindergarten. Families also have an opportunity to learn about routines, supports, and strategies that may help their child successfully transition to school.

Sessions are typically 90 minutes in length and provide a welcoming environment where children can practice classroom routines, explore learning activities, and become more comfortable with the school setting.

Information about Kinderquest registration is shared each spring through the Cowichan Valley School District’s Inclusive Education Department with families of children who may benefit from the program.

We look forward to partnering with families to support a positive and successful start to Kindergarten.

Ready, Set, Learn

Ready, Set, Learn is a fun and welcoming opportunity for families with children ages three to five to connect with their local school and community before Kindergarten begins.

These free events are hosted by elementary schools throughout the Cowichan Valley School District and give children a chance to explore, play, create, and learn through engaging, hands-on activities. Families can meet school staff, connect with other families, and become more familiar with the school environment in a relaxed and supportive setting.

Ready, Set, Learn events are also a great way to learn about early learning programs, community resources, and services available to support your child’s growth and development.

Events are typically held in the spring and are designed to help children and families feel confident and excited about the transition to school.

Information about upcoming Ready, Set, Learn events will be posted on this page and shared through the Cowichan Valley School District’s social media channels. We look forward to welcoming you and your family!

Wendy’s House

At Wendy’s House, learning happens through play. We believe children learn best when they are actively exploring, imagining, creating, and having fun. Play is at the heart of everything we do and helps children build the skills, confidence, and curiosity that support lifelong learning.

Through imaginative and make-believe play, children develop early language and literacy skills as they tell stories, share ideas, ask questions, and communicate with others. Whether they are running a pretend store, caring for a baby doll, building a castle, or creating a new adventure, children are learning to think creatively, solve problems, and express themselves.

Play also provides valuable opportunities for children to develop social and emotional skills. As they take turns, share materials, cooperate with others, and work through challenges, they learn patience, empathy, self-regulation, and confidence. These important skills help prepare children for success in school and everyday life.

Wendy’s House is a warm and welcoming place where children and caregivers can learn, play, and grow together. Families have opportunities to connect with other families, enjoy meaningful experiences with their children, and participate in activities that support healthy development and a love of learning.

To register on your first visit, please bring identification for your child, such as a birth certificate, Status Card, BC Services Card, BC ID, or passport.

We invite you to join us for play, learning, and connection. To learn more about Wendy’s House, including program information and hours of operation, please click the link below.

Explore Wendy’s House

StrongStart BC Programs

Looking for a welcoming place to learn, play, and connect with other families? The Cowichan Valley School District offers six free drop-in StrongStart BC programs for children from birth to age five and their parents, caregivers, and families.

Led by caring and qualified Early Childhood Educators, StrongStart provides a fun, play-based environment where children can explore, create, and grow through stories, music, art, outdoor play, and hands-on learning activities. It’s also a wonderful opportunity for families to meet, make connections, and share experiences with others in their community.

StrongStart programs support children’s early language, physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development while helping them build confidence and skills for a smooth and successful transition to Kindergarten.

We look forward to welcoming you and your child! To learn more about program locations, hours, registration, and how to get started, please click the link below.

Parent Child Mother Goose Program

The Parent-Child Mother Goose Program is a free 8-10 week group experience for babies, toddlers (ages 0-2), and their parents, caregivers, or other important adults in their lives. The program is offered through a partnership between the Vancouver Island Regional Library and the Cowichan Valley Mother Goose Community Collective.

Through songs, rhymes, stories, and gentle movement activities, families spend quality time together while supporting their child’s early language and literacy development. The program celebrates the joy of connecting through words, music, and storytelling, helping children build communication skills while strengthening the bond between caregiver and child.

Parent-Child Mother Goose is a welcoming and inclusive program where families can meet others in their community, learn new songs and rhymes, and enjoy simple, meaningful interactions with their children. There are no toys or special materials required, just the opportunity to share fun, engaging experiences together.

Families interested in participating can learn more about upcoming sessions by contacting learninglinkssecretary@sd79.bc.ca.