| 4Parenthése | La voix des parents de Colombie-Britannique Strong Start (“Franc départ” A brand new program designed specifically for preschool-age children opens at Ecole des Pionniers de Maillardville Child development specialists agree that a youngster’s experi- ence during early childhood is critical to development. The cognitive, physical, social, and emotional skills acquired during that time set the tone for lifelong learning, behaviour, and health. To this end, the Brifish Columbia Ministry of Education has developed a teaching program, Strong Start (“Franc depart”), adapted to the needs of pre- schoolers, in an effort to help prepare them fo begin school. Since inception, 27 Strong Start pro- grams have been established in BC ele- mentary schools. Since February, Ecole des Pionniers de Maillardville boasts the first French-language program of this type. This unique letter and number- based service, which is highly recom- mended by the French School Board in concert with the FPFCB, is offered free-of-charge to francophone families from Port Coquitlam and the surround- ing region. Five mornings per week, eligible chil- dren aged 0 to 5 years, along with their parent or caregiver, are welcomed into a friendly setting by a licensed early learning educator, who leads them in play-based activities adapted to their needs. What is a Strong Start program? This is a play-based preschool pro- gram that promotes the child's lin- guistic, physical, social and emotional development while helping parents to learn and observe activities to enhance their children’s education. Parents also have an opportunity to meet other pa- rents in the community. Another benefit of this initiative is its support for young francophone families as prime educa- tors of their children in the transmission of French language and culture. Benefits for the Child Physical and Motor Skills The child exercises the senses — vision, hearing, smell, taste, and touch — and gradually increases kinaesthetic awareness and motor skills. Socio-affective and Community Skills The child develops confidence, autonomy, and self-esteem. He be- comes aware of his abilities and de- velops his sense of identity. He self- affirms through new experiences and learns to live as part of a community. He learns to respect himself, others, and his environment. Language and Intellectual Skills The child increases her knowledge of the French language. She also learns to use all forms of body, verbal, artistic, and written expression. The child ad- PROGRAMME rAnc epart Josée Gosselin Educatrice francdepart_pionniers@csf.bc.ca vances in her ability fo understand the world around her and she develops the ability to think and reason. Benefits for the Adult The adult: * Meets other parents in similar situations ¢ Develops parenting skills * Learns ways to guide the child gently along the way toward autonomy and learning. On the agenda: storytelling, songs, psychomotor activities, puzzles, games involving exploration, manipulation and association, art, finger-painting and brushwork, modeling clay, col- lage, beading, crafts and construction, and much more... * Play and develop creativity! * Have fun with other children! ° Develop cultural identity within a stimulating francophone environment! ® Monday to Friday from 9 am till noon BRITISH COLUMBIA “The Best Place on Earth StrongStartBC Programme Franc départ Pionniers Ecole des Pionniers de Maillardville 3550 rue Wellington Port Coquitlam Tél : 778-284-0922