StrongStart

StrongStart is a Ministry of Education early learning program delivered in partnership with school districts across British Columbia. There are 329 StrongStart Centres in BC, with 13 centres in Abbotsford. 

The program provides young children (ages 0–5) with quality early learning experiences through play, social interaction, and language-rich activities. StrongStart also supports parents and caregivers by modelling ways to enhance their child’s development in everyday life. 

The emphasis is on: Learning through play, Early language and literacy, Positive social interactions 

To learn more about StrongStart in general, please visit the BC Ministry of Education’s StrongStart website.

Alexander Elementary

Welcome to StrongStart at Alexander Elementary 

StrongStart at Alexander Elementary operates Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM, in the Hand in Hand room (first room on the left after you enter the building).
Our StrongStart Facilitator is Barb Hessel. 

StrongStart is a free, play-based early learning program for children 0–5 years old, accompanied by a parent or caregiver. When attending for the first time, please bring your child’s birth certificate or passport to complete registration. To learn more about the 13 StrongStart locations in Abbotsford, please visit the Abbotsford Early Years website

Please note: StrongStart is closed on Pro-D Days, Statutory Holidays, and during Winter, Spring, and Summer Breaks. 

Nature Thursdays 

Join us every Thursday for Nature Thursday, a special outdoor StrongStart session that helps families build a deeper connection with the natural world. Each week, we explore one of Abbotsford’s beautiful parks and discover local habitats through hands-on, sensory-rich experiences. 

Meeting Location: Berry Park — McKenzie Street Entrance

Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM 

  • Fall Schedule: September through November (rain or shine)
  • Winter Schedule: December through March the programs is held indoor  
  • Spring Schedule: April through the end of the school year (rain or shine) 

Nature Thursday Highlights 

  • Friendship with Nature: Develop a meaningful connection with the natural environment. 
  • Sensory-Based Activities: Engage all five senses through interactive outdoor play and exploration. 

Auguston Elementary

Welcome to StrongStart at Auguston Elementary 

StrongStart at Auguston Elementary operates Monday to Friday, from 8:45 AM to 11:45 AM, Room 128 (it has an outside door to enter the classroom, you do not need to use the office/front entrance). Our StrongStart Facilitator is Louise Menzies. 

StrongStart is a free, play-based early learning program for children 0–5 years old, accompanied by a parent or caregiver. When attending for the first time, please bring your child’s birth certificate or passport to complete registration. To learn more about the 13 StrongStart locations in Abbotsford, please visit the Abbotsford Early Years website 

Please note: StrongStart is closed on Pro-D Days, Statutory Holidays, and during Winter, Spring, and Summer Breaks. 

Nature Thursdays 

Join us every Thursday for Nature Thursday, a special outdoor StrongStart session that helps families build a deeper connection with the natural world. Each week, we explore one of Abbotsford’s beautiful parks and discover local habitats through hands-on, sensory-rich experiences. 

Meeting Location:
School Grounds

Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM 

  • Fall Schedule: September through November (rain or shine) 
  • Winter Schedule: December through March the programs is held indoor 
  • Spring Schedule: April through the end of the school year (rain or shine) 

Nature Thursday Highlights 

  • Friendship with Nature: Develop a meaningful connection with the natural environment. 
  • Sensory-Based Activities: Engage all five senses through interactive outdoor play and exploration. 

Blue Jay Elementary

Welcome to StrongStart at Blue Jay Elementary 

StrongStart at Blue Jay Elementary operates Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM, at First Portable (Hand in Hand portable) by the kindergarten playground.
Our StrongStart Facilitator is Ekta Thind. 

StrongStart is a free, play-based early learning program for children 0–5 years old, accompanied by a parent or caregiver. When attending for the first time, please bring your child’s birth certificate or passport to complete registration. To learn more about the 13 StrongStart locations in Abbotsford, please visit the Abbotsford Early Years website

Please note: StrongStart is closed on Pro-D Days, Statutory Holidays, and during Winter, Spring, and Summer Breaks. 

Nature Thursdays 

Join us every Thursday for Nature Thursday, a special outdoor StrongStart session that helps families build a deeper connection with the natural world. Each week, we explore one of Abbotsford’s beautiful parks and discover local habitats through hands-on, sensory-rich experiences. 

Meeting Location:
Rock Hill Garden Park

Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM 

  • Fall Schedule: September through November (rain or shine) 
  • Winter Schedule: December through March the programs is held indoor 
  • Spring Schedule: April through the end of the school year (rain or shine) 

Nature Thursday Highlights 

  • Friendship with Nature: Develop a meaningful connection with the natural environment. 
  • Sensory-Based Activities: Engage all five senses through interactive outdoor play and exploration. 

Clearbrook Elementary

Welcome to StrongStart at Clearbrook Elementary 

StrongStart at Clearbrook Elementary operates Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM, Room #106 (it has an outside door to enter the classroom, but you also can use the office/front entrance to access the classroom). Our StrongStart Facilitator is Ravinder Seehra. 

StrongStart is a free, play-based early learning program for children 0–5 years old, accompanied by a parent or caregiver. When attending for the first time, please bring your child’s birth certificate or passport to complete registration. To learn more about the 13 StrongStart locations in Abbotsford, please visit the Abbotsford Early Years website

Please note: StrongStart is closed on Pro-D Days, Statutory Holidays, and during Winter, Spring, and Summer Breaks. 

Nature Thursdays 

Join us every Thursday for Nature Thursday, a special outdoor StrongStart session that helps families build a deeper connection with the natural world. Each week, we explore one of Abbotsford’s beautiful parks and discover local habitats through hands-on, sensory-rich experiences. 

Meeting Location:
Clearbrook Park

Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM 

  • Fall Schedule: September through November (rain or shine) 
  • Winter Schedule: December through March the programs is held indoor 
  • Spring Schedule: April through the end of the school year (rain or shine) 

Nature Thursday Highlights 

  • Friendship with Nature: Develop a meaningful connection with the natural environment. 
  • Sensory-Based Activities: Engage all five senses through interactive outdoor play and exploration. 

Dr. T.A. Swift Elementary

Welcome to StrongStart at Dr. T. A. Swift Elementary 

StrongStart at Dr. T. A. Swift Elementary operates Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM, at Room 116 (it has an outside door to enter the classroom in the back of the school)
Our StrongStart Facilitator is Lice Price. 

StrongStart is a free, play-based early learning program for children 0–5 years old, accompanied by a parent or caregiver. When attending for the first time, please bring your child’s birth certificate or passport to complete registration. To learn more about the 13 StrongStart locations in Abbotsford, please visit the Abbotsford Early Years website

Please note: StrongStart is closed on Pro-D Days, Statutory Holidays, and during Winter, Spring, and Summer Breaks. 

Nature Thursdays 

Join us every Thursday for Nature Thursday, a special outdoor StrongStart session that helps families build a deeper connection with the natural world. Each week, we explore one of Abbotsford’s beautiful parks and discover local habitats through hands-on, sensory-rich experiences. 

Meeting Location:
Bateman Park - Upper parking lot 
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM 

  • Fall Schedule: September through November (rain or shine) 
  • Winter Schedule: December through March the programs is held indoor 
  • Spring Schedule: April through the end of the school year (rain or shine) 

Nature Thursday Highlights 

  • Friendship with Nature: Develop a meaningful connection with the natural environment. 
  • Sensory-Based Activities: Engage all five senses through interactive outdoor play and exploration. 

Godson Elementary

Welcome to StrongStart at Godson Elementary 

StrongStart at Godson Elementary operates Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM, at First Portable by the small Gym (used by Just B4 Pre-School in the afternoon) by the kindergarten playground.
Our StrongStart Facilitator is Heather Esau. 

StrongStart is a free, play-based early learning program for children 0–5 years old, accompanied by a parent or caregiver. When attending for the first time, please bring your child’s birth certificate or passport to complete registration. To learn more about the 13 StrongStart locations in Abbotsford, please visit the Abbotsford Early Years website

Please note: StrongStart is closed on Pro-D Days, Statutory Holidays, and during Winter, Spring, and Summer Breaks. 

Nature Thursdays 

Join us every Thursday for Nature Thursday, a special outdoor StrongStart session that helps families build a deeper connection with the natural world. Each week, we explore one of Abbotsford’s beautiful parks and discover local habitats through hands-on, sensory-rich experiences. 

Meeting Location:
Mill Lake Park - Bevan Entrance
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM 

  • Fall Schedule: September through November (rain or shine) 
  • Winter Schedule: December through March the programs is held indoor 
  • Spring Schedule: April through the end of the school year (rain or shine) 

Nature Thursday Highlights 

  • Friendship with Nature: Develop a meaningful connection with the natural environment. 
  • Sensory-Based Activities: Engage all five senses through interactive outdoor play and exploration.

Harry Sayers Elementary

Welcome to StrongStart at Harry Sayers Elementary 

StrongStart at Harry Sayers Elementary operates Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM, at Second Portable (by the side parking lot).
Our StrongStart Facilitator is Rajwant Bagha. 

StrongStart is a free, play-based early learning program for children 0–5 years old, accompanied by a parent or caregiver. When attending for the first time, please bring your child’s birth certificate or passport to complete registration. To learn more about the 13 StrongStart locations in Abbotsford, please visit the Abbotsford Early Years website

Please note: StrongStart is closed on Pro-D Days, Statutory Holidays, and during Winter, Spring, and Summer Breaks. 

Nature Thursdays 

Join us every Thursday for Nature Thursday, a special outdoor StrongStart session that helps families build a deeper connection with the natural world. Each week, we explore one of Abbotsford’s beautiful parks and discover local habitats through hands-on, sensory-rich experiences. 

Meeting Location:
Townline Park
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM 

  • Fall Schedule: September through November (rain or shine)
  • Winter Schedule: December through March the programs is held indoor 
  • Spring Schedule: April through the end of the school year (rain or shine) 

Nature Thursday Highlights 

  • Friendship with Nature: Develop a meaningful connection with the natural environment. 
  • Sensory-Based Activities: Engage all five senses through interactive outdoor play and exploration.

Jackson Elementary

Welcome to StrongStart at Jackson Elementary 

StrongStart at Jackson Elementary operates Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM until 12:00 PM, at Room # 106 in the back of the building (it has an outside door to enter the classroom, you do not need to use the office/front entrance). Our StrongStart Facilitator is Meenu Chaudhary (currently covered by Bruna Dahl). 

StrongStart is a free, play-based early learning program for children 0–5 years old, accompanied by a parent or caregiver. When attending for the first time, please bring your child’s birth certificate or passport to complete registration. To learn more about the 13 StrongStart locations in Abbotsford, please visit the Abbotsford Early Years website

Please note: StrongStart is closed on Pro-D Days, Statutory Holidays, and during Winter, Spring, and Summer Breaks. 

Nature Thursdays 

Join us every Thursday for Nature Thursday, a special outdoor StrongStart session that helps families build a deeper connection with the natural world. Each week, we explore one of Abbotsford’s beautiful parks and discover local habitats through hands-on, sensory-rich experiences. 

Meeting Location:
Lower Jackson Park
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM 

  • Fall Schedule: September through November (rain or shine)
  • Winter Schedule: December through March the programs is held indoor 
  • Spring Schedule: April through the end of the school year (rain or shine) 

Nature Thursday Highlights 

  • Friendship with Nature: Develop a meaningful connection with the natural environment. 
  • Sensory-Based Activities: Engage all five senses through interactive outdoor play and exploration.

John Maclure Elementary

Welcome to StrongStart at John Maclure Elementary 

StrongStart at John Maclure Elementary operates Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM, at First Portable (by the lower parking lot).
Our StrongStart Facilitator is Hardeep Rehill. 

StrongStart is a free, play-based early learning program for children 0–5 years old, accompanied by a parent or caregiver. When attending for the first time, please bring your child’s birth certificate or passport to complete registration. To learn more about the 13 StrongStart locations in Abbotsford, please visit the Abbotsford Early Years website

Please note: StrongStart is closed on Pro-D Days, Statutory Holidays, and during Winter, Spring, and Summer Breaks. 

Nature Thursdays 

Join us every Thursday for Nature Thursday, a special outdoor StrongStart session that helps families build a deeper connection with the natural world. Each week, we explore one of Abbotsford’s beautiful parks and discover local habitats through hands-on, sensory-rich experiences. 

Meeting Location:
Williams Park
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM 

  • Fall Schedule: September through November (rain or shine)
  • Winter Schedule: December through March the programs is held indoor 
  • Spring Schedule: April through the end of the school year (rain or shine) 

Nature Thursday Highlights 

  • Friendship with Nature: Develop a meaningful connection with the natural environment. 
  • Sensory-Based Activities: Engage all five senses through interactive outdoor play and exploration.

Margaret Stenersen Elementary

Welcome to StrongStart at Margaret Stenersen Elementary 

StrongStart at Margaret Stenersen Elementary operates Monday to Friday, from 8:45 AM until 11:45 AM, at Room # 111 (it has an outside door to enter the classroom, you do not need to use the office/front entrance). Our StrongStart Facilitator is Kareen Mclaughlin. 

StrongStart is a free, play-based early learning program for children 0–5 years old, accompanied by a parent or caregiver. When attending for the first time, please bring your child’s birth certificate or passport to complete registration. To learn more about the 13 StrongStart locations in Abbotsford, please visit the Abbotsford Early Years website

Please note: StrongStart is closed on Pro-D Days, Statutory Holidays, and during Winter, Spring, and Summer Breaks. 

Nature Thursdays 

Join us every Thursday for Nature Thursday, a special outdoor StrongStart session that helps families build a deeper connection with the natural world. Each week, we explore one of Abbotsford’s beautiful parks and discover local habitats through hands-on, sensory-rich experiences. 

Meeting Location:
Saddle Park
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM 

  • Fall Schedule: September through November (rain or shine)
  • Winter Schedule: December through March the programs is held indoor 
  • Spring Schedule: April through the end of the school year (rain or shine) 

Nature Thursday Highlights 

  • Friendship with Nature: Develop a meaningful connection with the natural environment. 
  • Sensory-Based Activities: Engage all five senses through interactive outdoor play and exploration.

Sweeney Neighbourhood Centre

Welcome to StrongStart at Sweeney Neighbourhood Centre 

StrongStart at Sweeney Centre operates Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM until 12:00 PM, at Room # P109 use the front entrance and proceed down the hall. Our StrongStart Facilitator is Leanna Gill. 

StrongStart is a free, play-based early learning program for children 0–5 years old, accompanied by a parent or caregiver. When attending for the first time, please bring your child’s birth certificate or passport to complete registration. To learn more about the 13 StrongStart locations in Abbotsford, please visit the Abbotsford Early Years website

Please note: StrongStart is closed on Pro-D Days, Statutory Holidays, and during Winter, Spring, and Summer Breaks. 

Nature Thursdays 

Join us every Thursday for Nature Thursday, a special outdoor StrongStart session that helps families build a deeper connection with the natural world. Each week, we explore one of Abbotsford’s beautiful parks and discover local habitats through hands-on, sensory-rich experiences. 

Meeting Location:
Mill Lake Park - Bevan Entrance
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM 

  • Fall Schedule: September through November (rain or shine)
  • Winter Schedule: December through March the programs is held indoor 
  • Spring Schedule: April through the end of the school year (rain or shine) 

Nature Thursday Highlights 

  • Friendship with Nature: Develop a meaningful connection with the natural environment. 
  • Sensory-Based Activities: Engage all five senses through interactive outdoor play and exploration.

Ten Broeck Elementary

Welcome to StrongStart at Ten Broeck Elementary

StrongStart at Ten Broeck Elementary operates Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM until 11:30 PM, at Room # C12 (use the side entrance and ring the bell for access). Our StrongStart Facilitator is Danielle Wall. 

StrongStart is a free, play-based early learning program for children 0–5 years old, accompanied by a parent or caregiver. When attending for the first time, please bring your child’s birth certificate or passport to complete registration. To learn more about the 13 StrongStart locations in Abbotsford, please visit the Abbotsford Early Years website

Please note: StrongStart is closed on Pro-D Days, Statutory Holidays, and during Winter, Spring, and Summer Breaks. 

Nature Thursdays 

Join us every Thursday for Nature Thursday, a special outdoor StrongStart session that helps families build a deeper connection with the natural world. Each week, we explore one of Abbotsford’s beautiful parks and discover local habitats through hands-on, sensory-rich experiences. 

Meeting Location:
Gardner Park
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM 

  • Fall Schedule: September through November (rain or shine)
  • Winter Schedule: December through March the programs is held indoor 
  • Spring Schedule: April through the end of the school year (rain or shine) 

Nature Thursday Highlights 

  • Friendship with Nature: Develop a meaningful connection with the natural environment. 
  • Sensory-Based Activities: Engage all five senses through interactive outdoor play and exploration.

Terry Fox Elementary

Welcome to StrongStart at Terry Fox Elementary 

StrongStart at Terry Fox Elementary operates Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM until 12:00 PM, at Room # 133  by the playground (it has an outside door to enter the classroom, you do not need to use the office/front entrance). Our StrongStart Facilitator is Juliane Leck. 

StrongStart is a free, play-based early learning program for children 0–5 years old, accompanied by a parent or caregiver. When attending for the first time, please bring your child’s birth certificate or passport to complete registration. To learn more about the 13 StrongStart locations in Abbotsford, please visit the Abbotsford Early Years website

Please note: StrongStart is closed on Pro-D Days, Statutory Holidays, and during Winter, Spring, and Summer Breaks. 

Nature Thursdays 

Join us every Thursday for Nature Thursday, a special outdoor StrongStart session that helps families build a deeper connection with the natural world. Each week, we explore one of Abbotsford’s beautiful parks and discover local habitats through hands-on, sensory-rich experiences. 

Meeting Location:
Babich Park
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM 

  • Fall Schedule: September through November (rain or shine)
  • Winter Schedule: December through March the programs is held indoor 
  • Spring Schedule: April through the end of the school year (rain or shine) 

Nature Thursday Highlights 

  • Friendship with Nature: Develop a meaningful connection with the natural environment. 
  • Sensory-Based Activities: Engage all five senses through interactive outdoor play and exploration.