Summer and Recreation Programs

K is for Kindergarten program

K is for Kindergarten is directly operated by one of the DDSB’s Early Years Partners, EarlyON Child and Family Centres, and is offered to children eligible for school entry in September (ages 3 to 4). The program is available for families from May through August. Children enrolled in the program will participate in an emergent curriculum environment, parallel to the formal school system, with the support of a Registered Early Childhood Educator. Every session, adults will participate in a discussion that offers tools and strategies for a smooth transition into Kindergarten. Topics will focus on self-regulation, self-help skills, learning styles, and communication. 

For additional program information and registration details, please visit www.keyon.ca or email earlyon.durham@ymcagta.org or ece@durhamfamilyresources.org to connect with one of their team members directly.”

Great Beginnings School Success Program

Great Beginnings School Success Programs will be held at various school locations beginning Monday, July 8 to Thursday, August 1, 2024. The programs will operate from 9:00-12:00, Monday through Thursday.

Transitions in the early years can be a significant experience for young children and their families. For our youngest learners at the DDSB, we understand that a successful transition from the home environment to the early learning setting is critical for an optimal start to lifelong learning.

The Great Beginnings School Success Program is a play-based, developmentally appropriate program designed to enhance children’s social, emotional, physical, cognitive, math, and literacy skills. We recognize that play is children’s work and that children learn through play. The overall goal of the program is to ensure that every child enters Kindergarten healthy and secure, emotionally and socially competent, eager, and confident. The program aims to prepare children for a successful transition into Kindergarten and early learning at the DDSB. With this philosophy, the Great Beginnings School Success Program will allow children to reach their full potential.

The Great Beginnings School Success Program is eligible for Kindergarten students who will be entering school for the first time in Fall 2024. Priority for enrollment will be given to children who are not currently enrolled with/ previously attended a child care or an early learning program. The four-week Summer program will be planned and administered by an educator team, and will have a maximum of 16 students/class. The program aims to prepare children for a successful transition into Kindergarten and early learning at the DDSB. The program aims to prepare children for a successful transition into Kindergarten and early learning at the DDSB.

Applications for this program are no longer being accepted. Information about our Summer 2025 offerings will be available in the new year.

Great Beginnings Afrocentric Program for Black Student Success

Transitions in the early years can be a significant experience for young children and their families. For our youngest learners at the DDSB, we understand that a successful transition from the home environment to the early learning setting is critical for an optimal start to lifelong learning.

The Great Beginnings Afrocentric Program for Black Student Success is an identity-affirming, play-based, developmentally appropriate program designed to enhance children’s social, emotional, physical, cognitive, math, and literacy skills. Uniquely, this program will highlight the diversity of the Black identity through authentic activities, literature and guest speakers that all connect directly to the Ontario Kindergarten Program. The overall goal of the Afrocentric program is to ensure that children enter Kindergarten healthy and secure, emotionally and socially competent, eager, and confident, and have the opportunity to engage in learning through an Afrocentric approach. The program aligns directly with the DDSB’s Compendium of Action for Black Student Success 2.0. As a district, we remain committed to Indigenous and Human Rights and actively work to remove barriers to ensure all students meet their full potential.

The Great Beginnings Afrocentric Program for Black Student Success is eligible for Kindergarten students who will be entering school for the first time in Fall 2024. Priority for enrollment will be given to children who are not currently enrolled with/previously attended a child care or an early learning program. The four-week Summer program will be planned and administered by an educator team, and will have a maximum of 16 students/class.

The program aims to prepare children for a successful transition into Kindergarten and early learning at the DDSB.

Applications for this program are no longer being accepted. Information about our Summer 2025 offerings will be available in the new year.