Submitted article--Starting in September, families in Port and Queen Charlotte/Skidegate will be able to participate in the popular StrongStart Preschool Program! Launched at Tahayghen in Masset in 2007 and Agnes L. Mathers in Sandspit in 2008, StrongStart will now be offered two mornings a week at both the Queen Charlotte Child Center and the Port Clements Preschool. StrongStart differs from traditional preschool programs in two important ways: it's free and it involves the participation of a parent/caregiver. Recognizing that the years before Kindergarten are the most crucial for developing a foundation for learning and that the family is the primary caregiver during these years, StrongStart was developed by the Ministry of Education as a play-based program for parents/caregivers and their children to enjoy together. Facilitated by an Early Childhood Educator, the program provides a wide range of learning opportunities including art, stories, music, movement, and a healthy snack. StrongStart will be offered through the Port Pre School on Thursday and Friday mornings, including what has traditionally been Kindergym and Parents and Tots. At the QC Child Center, the program will run on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. StrongStart is one of several early learning programs offered to support families in preparing their preschool children for lifelong learning. See next week's paper for more details and registration times.