Franc départ (Strong start)

StrongStartBC updated logo

The program “Franc départ” is an initiative of the B.C. Ministry of Education, implemented by the Conseil scolaire francophone. Its mission is to provide a variety of free activities at schools, in French, for Francophone children* aged 0 to 5 accompanied by an adult (either a parent or another person responsible for the child).

Activities examples :
Organized activity: Activities planned by the educator that promote social learning and involve the families.
Circle: Children and adults gather to sing, dance, tell and listen to stories and take part in games.
Free play time: Parents and children have an opportunity to discover a wide range of educational toys together.

A learning environment where:

  • The parent is recognized as their child’s first educator.
  • French is used in a living, stimulating Francophone environment that fosters the child’s language acquisition.
  • Play is central: the child and adult learn about each other while exploring together. The transition to kindergarten is facilitated through activities that introduce the ideas of reading and writing.
  • Each family is unique and helps enrich the program, providing an opportunity to develop a social network and break down isolation.
  • Parents and children can familiarize themselves with the school environment, get to know school staff, and learn about services offered in French in the community.

The program is currently running at six of our schools:

  • L’école du Bois-joli à Delta
    785, 49th Street
    Tél : 604-948-7007
    ebj-francdepart@csf.bc.ca
    Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
    Tuesdays 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
  • L’école Entre-lacs de Penticton
    1213, Debeck Street
    Tél : 250-770-7691
    eel-francdepart@csf.bc.ca
    Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
  • L’école Mer-et-montagne de Campbell River
    1102, South Alder Street
    Tél : 778-418-1820
    emm-francdepart@csf.bc.ca
    Monday to Friday, 8:45 to 11:45 a.m.
  • L’école des Sentiers-alpins de Nelson
    1213, Debeck Street
    Tél : 250-770-7691
    eel-francdepart@csf.bc.ca
    Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
  • L’école des Pionniers-de-Maillardville à Port-Coquitlam
    1618 Patricia Avenue
    Tél : 604-552-7915
    pio-francdepart@csf.bc.ca
    Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
  • L’école Anne-Hébert à Vancouver
    7051, Killarney Street
    Tél : 604-437-4849
    Eah-francdepart@csf.bc.ca
    Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

You must register in person with the educators.

*Children from a family with at least one Francophone parent.