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Play, Learn  & Literacy Programs

The following agencies offer program opportunities for children to interact with and play with other children and/or to have specific, quality, age-appropriate experiences that promote their cognitive, socio-emotional, physical and literacy development. The listing may be by agency or by program. Click on the link below to find out more information.

Delta Parks, Recreation & Culture
Delta School District
Early Years Programs of Boys & Girls Clubs of South Coast BC
Delta Libraries of Fraser Valley Regional Library

Delta Parks, Recreation & Culture
For details on any program visit:  www.corp.delta.bc.ca

The following agencies offer program opportunities for children to interact with and play with other children and/or to have specific, quality, age-appropriate experiences that promote their cognitive, socio-emotional, physical and literacy development. The listing may be by agency or by program. Click on the link below to find out more information.

Offering a wide variety of registered and drop-in programs for ages 1-5.

Roaming Rascals – drop in program for children walking-5yrs old.  Toys, games, gross motor activities & free play.  Drop-in fees apply.  
Located at South Delta Recreation Centre, Ladner Community Centre and Sungod Centre.  Parent/Caregiver participation required.

Seasonal Social Recreation Programs – Registered programs designed for the 3-5 year old to celebrate Valentine’s Day; Easter; Halloween & Christmas.

Social Recreation Programs – Registered programs for 2-5 year olds to promote play and active learning.

Delta School District  - Early Learning & Literacy Coordinator – Paula Gelmon School District  www.deltasd.bc.ca

Strong Start Program
Strong Start B.C. is a provincial initiative, providing early learning opportunities for children under five years of age. We are currently operating seven Strong Start centres, which welcome all Delta families and are free of charge.  They are open daily on a drop-in basis for preschoolers, toddlers and infants accompanied by a parent or caregiver.

Parents or caregivers attend the program with their children, giving them an opportunity to observe and participate in activities that assist early learning.  As well, they can discover new ways of supporting their children’s learning at home, and meet other parents of young children in their community.  

Each program is facilitated by a qualified Early Childhood Educator, with activities emphasizing play, socialization, language development, and early literacy development.  Parents are involved in all aspects of the program, and are encouraged to be active participants.  A nutritious snack is provided daily for all of the children.

The programs run Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, at the following elementary schools:  McCloskey, Chalmers, Hellings, Jarvis, Heath, and Ladner Elementary.  The program operates from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Gibson Elementary.  New families are welcome to drop in at any time, and no advance registration is required.

Ready Set Learn
Ready, Set, Learn is a provincial initiative designed by ReadNow B.C., to help three-year-olds get ready for success in school.  Schools across the province host Ready, Set, Learn events. Three year old children and their parents or caregivers attend an “open house” at their neighbourhood school.  

Representatives from the local library, health unit, and other community partners join the school personnel in welcoming families to this event.  Children receive a storybook to take home and enjoy with their parents, and parents receive a booklet full of helpful information on how to support their preschooler’s learning and development.

These events generally take place between January and April of the year, and are advertised at each school, in the local newspaper, at some community locations, and on the school district website.  There is no charge, and no pre-registration necessary.

Starting with Stories
Starting with Stories is a made-in-Delta program.  It generally consists of three or four one-hour sessions, which four-year-olds attend with their parent or caregiver at the school that they will be attending. Families attend these sessions in the April or May of the year that children will be attending kindergarten.  

Children participate in a variety of early learning and early literacy activities, usually directed by the Kindergarten teacher, while their parents attend a workshop on a topic related to early learning or child development.  Parents also have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns they may have about their child starting Kindergarten.  Children usually receive a book or “play bag” to take home at the end of the session.

Some schools advertise their Starting with Stories sessions at the time of Kindergarten registration (usually in February).  These programs will also be advertised at the school, and on the school district website.  The programs are offered in many, but not all, of the elementary schools.  The program is free of charge; pre-registration is encouraged.

Early Years Programs of Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast
Contact: Roxanna Clark  604-591-9262 Ext. 110
www.bgccs.bc.ca

North Delta Family Resource Centre
Offers a variety of programs that are designed to provide a stimulating environment for children and parents. The programs promote healthy growth and development in all area for preschool children.  Parents can observe and participate in activities that assist early learning and discover new ways to support their children’s learning at home.
Programs offered are: Drop in, Chat and Chai group, Baby and Me, Family Empowerment Support Group, Hispanic Parenting In Canada
See BGCCS website www.bgccs.bc.ca for more information and times and location of the drop in and groups

South Delta Family Resource Drop-In at the Ladner ECD Hub
Offers a variety of programs that are designed to provide a stimulating environment for children and parents. The programs promote healthy growth and development in all area for preschool children. Parents can observe and participate in activities that assist early learning and discover new ways to support their children’s learning at home.
Programs offered are: Daily drop ins, Mom’s time, Baby and Me, Infant massage and signing
See BGCCS website www.bgccs.bc.ca for more information, times and location.

Mother Goose
A free group for parents of babies up to 15 months of age. A rhyme time for parents and their child that encourages parent-infant interaction. The program focuses on bonding, communication and emergent language development in a slow paced and cozy atmosphere. Offered in partnership with the Library.
See BGCCS site www.bgccs.bc.ca for more information, times and location.

Delta Libraries of Fraser Valley Regional Library www.fvrl.ca

The Delta libraries offer free programs and services:

George Mackie Library (North Delta) 604-594-8155 
http://www.fvrl.bc.ca/read/library_georgemackie.htm

Ladner Pioneer Library 604-946-6215 
http://www.fvrl.bc.ca/read/library_ladner.htm

Tsawwassen Library 605-943-2271 
http://www.fvrl.bc.ca/read/library_tsawwassen.htm