Summer and Recreation Programs

Durham District School Board (DDSB) offers a variety of Early Years summer and after school recreational programs for students and caregivers.

Summer 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

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.

Applications for this program are no longer being accepted.

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:

Sorry, the program is now full and applications for this program is now closed.

 

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.

After school recreation programs

The DDSB and community agencies/partners offer affordable after school recreation programs for children between the ages of 6 – 12. These programs are offered within a fun, safe, interesting, and engaging environment.

Further information about our school's Early Years programming can be found below. Registration and availability of programs is managed by our child care partners. Please click on your specific area to find available programs, contact information, and to obtain further details about a specific 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.”