Summer and Recreation Programs

K is for Kindergarten program

For more information on this program, please contact the Early Years department via email.

Great Beginnings School Success Program

Transitions within 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 to ensure an optimal start to lifelong learning.

The Great Beginnings School Success Program is a play-based, developmentally appropriate program that will enhance children’s social, emotional, physical, cognitive, language, math, and literacy skills. The goal of the program is for children to enter Kindergarten healthy and secure, emotionally and socially competent, eager and confident. This program is designed for children who are not currently attending an Early Learning program, nursery school, preschool or child care and will be entering Junior Kindergarten (Year One), as well as current Kindergarten students who may benefit from additional early learning opportunities prior to September. We recognize that play is children’s work and children learn through play. With this philosophy, the Great Beginnings School Success Program will allow children to reach their full potential The program aims to prepare children for a successful transition into Kindergarten and early learning at the DDSB.

More information and application package.

Great Beginnings Afrocentric Program

Great Beginnings Afrocentric Program is a play-based, developmentally appropriate program that will enhance children’s social, emotional, physical, cognitive, language, math and literacy skills. This program is designed for children who are not currently attending an early learning program, nursery school, preschool or child care and will be entering Junior Kindergarten (Year One) at a Durham District School Board School in September. The goal of the program is for every child to enter Kindergarten healthy and secure, emotionally and socially competent, eager and confident. Every child can be a successful learner and respectful of the diversity of their peers. We recognize that play is children’s work and children learn through play and with this philosophy, The Great Beginnings program will allow children to reach their full potential.

This program is designed to prepare children for a successful transition to kindergarten. Families will be provided with information about the important role they play, activities to support child development at home, DDSB Afrocentric Perspectives in the Classroom, DDSB Compendium of Action for Black Student Success as well as an overview of what to expect in Kindergarten.

The Great Beginnings School Success Program is delivered by registered Early Childhood Educators who work closely with families to assess each individual child’s developmental achievements and act as a support for the family and the child`s transition into school.

Program Dates/Times/Location:

Monday, July 17, 2023 to Friday, August 11, 2023

9:00am - 12:00pm, Monday through Friday*.

*Note: the program will be closed on Monday, August 7th, 2023.

Viola Desmond Public School

Apply:

Application forms are now being accepted for this free program. Spaces are limited.

Please download and complete the application form and return by Friday, June 2, 2023.

Options to return your application form:

• Scan/attach and email completed form to EarlyYears@ddsb.ca.
• Print and mail to DDSB, Early Years Dept., 400 Taunton Rd. E., Whitby, ON, L1R 2K6.
• Print and drop off at your child’s home school and they will courier it to the Early Years Department.