Waterloo Region Families: We still have spots in the Get Ready for School™ program at our Linwood location. To apply, please email grfs@strongstart.ca or call 519-743.9578 ext. 112. Please note that ALL of our other locations are FULL. 

Eligibility: children born in 2020 who live in Waterloo Region, including Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and the surrounding townships of Wellesley, Wilmot and Woolwich

(Please note that while applications from all Waterloo Region residents will be considered, priority will be given to families from neighbourhoods supported by our program sites.)

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St. Basil’s C.E.S Families (Owen Sound): Please note that the Get Ready for School™ program at St. Basil’s Catholic Elementary School in Owen Sound is FULL. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please email grfs@strongstart.ca or call 519-743-9578 ext. 112.

Eligibility: children born 2020 who will be attending St. Basil’s C.E.S. in Owen Sound for Year 1 of Kindergarten.

(This instance of the Get Ready for School program is fully sponsored and funded by the Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board.)

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For information about the 2024 program locations and the program schedule, please click here.

 

About the Get Ready for School™ program

Get Ready for School™ is a FREE program that is delivered in partnership with local community centres. The program, which consists of 44 two-hour classes, is delivered by trained instructors and volunteers who work with children ages 3-4 from  January or February to June, just prior to their start in Year 1 of Kindergarten. This highly effective research-based program was created by Dr. Iuliana Baciu and is particularly beneficial for children who have the challenges of English as a second language or for children from low to middle-income families. The program focuses on helping children develop essential early literacy skills. The emphasis on increasing vocabulary, letter-sound knowledge, and classroom learning behaviours are all essential building blocks for children as they prepare to enter their formal school experience.

The program also provides instruction and support for the children’s parents so they are better able to support their child’s learning at home. At regular intervals throughout the program, parents attend information meetings to learn more about the program and how they can reinforce the skills their children are learning. Regular newsletters are shared to keep parents informed. Learning resources are provided for the children to use at home to practice skills with their parents.

For more information on this program, please contact Program Co-ordinator, Kirsten Carr, and Assistant Programs Co-ordinator, Caroline Stamp, by e-mailing grfs@strongstart.ca. Please see Our People page for individual team member contact information.