Early Learning

Learning is not an individual act but happens in relationship with people, materials, and place. 

All aspects of children’s learning and growing are interconnected and overlapping. 

~ BC Early Learning Framework

Play is the foundation of learning, creativity, self-expression, and constructive problem-solving. 

It’s how children wrestle with life to make it meaningful. 

~ Susan Linn

Surrey schools offer a variety of rich learning opportunities that support early learning and healthy development for young children, from birth through a child’s entry into Kindergarten. Our initiatives highlight the importance of early literacy and numeracy learning including vibrant oral language and inquiry to support critical and creative thinking.  We also celebrate and uphold the importance of responsive adult and peer relationships, exploring nature’s capacity to nurture us, children's identity, voice and expression, and play-based learning environments that foster safe, inclusive spaces where all children and families thrive. We value and support children’s early development across all domains: physical health and well-being;  language, communication and cognition; and social and emotional development.

StrongStart Programs 

Early years opportunities include StrongStart at 23 different schools throughout the district. There is no cost for caregivers and their children to attend.

For more information and to register, please visit the StrongStart Registration page. 

Child Care in Surrey 

Please click here for information about independently run preschool and child care programs operating in schools throughout the district. For more information about child care in the broader community, please visit the child care options website. For information on the Affordable Child Care Benefit and to find out if you are eligible for this subsidy, please go to the website here. 

Early Years Invitations at Schools 

Focused on families and their young children, birth through to school entry, Early Years Invitations fosters positive connections between families, schools, and local community agencies.

Elementary schools host these play-based events to help build children's solid foundation for social, emotional and cognitive development throughout their life. 

Invitations are posted in the community, and are also communicated through schools. Please call your local neighbourhood school to find out more about their Early Years Invitations.  

Early Years Fairs

Welcome to Kindergarten Invitations

In the spring schools host various Welcome to Kindergarten events and information sessions throughout the district. To receive your invitation to your child's school, ensure you register early. 

Please contact your child's school with any questions. Have fun exploring their new school!

Kindergarten Registration                   

Registration for Kindergarten 2025-2026 opens January 13, 2025                                            

For information on Kindergarten registration for the 2025-26 school year please see our fact sheets available in English, Punjabi, Chinese, Arabic and Spanish.

For more details about the registration process, click here.

If you have questions about the early years, child care or transitions into Kindergarten, please contact Leah Christensen, District Principal.

• StrongStart
• Kindergarten Transitions
• Connect to Kindergarten
• Early Years Fair Flyer
• Child Care Programs
• Literacy Learning with your Child
• Numeracy Learning with your Child
• Physical Health and Well-being with your Child
• Family Resource Programs - Impulsive Behaviour
• Active Outdoor Play
• Screen Time and Preschoolers 
• Kindergarten Book List

Ministry of Education and Child Care Resources for Families:

• Early Learning Framework
• Early Learning Framework - A Guide for Families
• Play Today - A Guide for Families
• Let's Play - Activities for Families
• When I Go To Kindergarten