In BC, ‘Early Years’ now includes children from birth to 8 years of age.
NLPS’ Early Years Team works with educators, childcare providers, and community partners to provide early learning opportunities for families and young children.
Successful learning, positive behaviour and good health can be directly linked to nurturing and supportive early development.
Through partnerships, we strengthen the connection between home and school, including supporting the transition to Kindergarten. We strive to create early learning centres and programs that have welcoming and inclusive environments. We recognize that families are the child’s first teacher and know their child best.
Early Years programs include Ready, Set, Learn & StrongStart Centres
Ready Set Learn
Ready, Set, Learn events are intended for families and their preschool-aged children (ages 3-5). It is all about fostering positive connections between families, the school system and local community agencies.
All families with children 3-5 years old are invited to a FREE Ready, Set, Learn event! This is a family-orientated drop-in playtime where you and your child(ren) will take part in a variety of play-based activities and enjoy some pizza too
You will receive a copy of the Let’s Play! Activities for Families developed by the Ministry of Education.
StrongStart Centres
StrongStart is a school-based, free, drop-in program for families with young children (aged birth to five). Parents/caregivers accompany their child in play-based early learning activities. The provincial StrongStart program is in place to help prepare children for a successful transition in to school.
Resources for Early Years
BC Early Learning Framework
The Early Learning Framework sets forth a vision that guides early learning and is designed to inspire educators, families, and others working with young children.
~ Respectfully Living and Learning Together
NLPS Early Years is guided by the First People Principles of Learning and the Early Learning Framework Principles.
Forest Fridays
Forest Fridays were created where StrongStart participants from McGirr and Frank J. Ney elementary schools will head to the forest for playtime.
Inclusion in NLPS
Inclusion is the belief that all students should, where possible, receive their education in age-appropriate regular classrooms in their neighbourhood schools. The school district, together with parents, determines the support(s) needed for successful inclusion.
Inclusion is a continuum of options designed to foster the feelings of belonging, acceptance and community.