Education Minister George Abbott joined children, caregivers and staff for the official opening of the Senator Reid StrongStart BC Centre, where he read "No Sleep for the Sheep" to the kids.

Located at Senator Reid Elementary school, the centre opened its doors in Sept. 2011 and features organized activities such as story time, music and singing, art activities, puzzles and multilingual books.

StrongStart BC early learning programs provide school-based early learning services for adults and their young children, aged birth to five, at no cost to B.C. families. They offer unique opportunities for parents, guardians and grandparents to be involved in their child's early learning experience.

Over the last six years, StrongStart BC programs have grown from 12 pilot projects to 326 programs serving 385 communities across the Province. Over the past year, more than half a million children have participated in StrongStart BC programs.

Quick Facts:

• Senator Reid is one of 10 new StrongStart BC programs introduced this school year.
• The Surrey school district received $52,000 to set up the programs. This includes $20,000 to prepare in-school space, including renovations and the purchase of new equipment and learning materials and $32,000 to fund the year's operating costs, including staff, professional development, supplies and healthy snacks.
• Since 2006-07, the Province has committed $43 million for the expansion of StrongStart BC programs.

Learn More:

For more information on StrongStart BC centres and programs, visit: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/early_learning/strongstart_bc/

To read BC's Education Plan and have your say on the future of education, visit: http://www.bcedplan.ca

Media Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963