Ready, Set, Learn

(RSL) is a school readiness initiative led by the Ministry of Education. Beginning in the 2004/05 school year, it has provided an opportunity for all school districts and their elementary schools offering kindergarten to influence school readiness of three-year-olds, in partnership with participating community-based early childhood service providers and other community agencies. Schools that participate in RSL receive funding to help host school-based community events.

In 2008/09 families and their three-year-olds attending a Ready, Set, Learn open house event in a participating school received:

1. An age-appropriate book for the child;
2. A parent/family booklet with helpful tips for supporting their preschooler’s learning and development, created by the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Children and Family Development, and the Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport;
3. Any additional information the school district and school included about local programs and/or services; and
4. Any additional items chosen by the school to influence school readiness.

In 2008/09 1,081 public schools chose to participate in RSL. Approximately 23,218 preschoolers and approximately 23,818 parents attended RSL events at public schools. This represents an increase of over 700 children attending RSL events compared to the 2007/08 school year.

Feedback from the public schools on their events was very positive, with 95% of schools rating RSL events as "good" or higher. The majority of public schools report that RSL event(s) were facilitated in cooperation with community partners. Districts reported relationships and connections were established with families and community partners.

Over 200 schools involved StrongStart BC programs to either coordinate and/or participate in Ready, Set, Learn event. StrongStart BC program facilitators provided coordination, promotion, venue, facilitation of activities, as well as offered information on early learning and promotion of StrongStart BC programs to families.

In 2008/09, 69 independent schools hosted RSL events. Approximately 1215 preschoolers and 1453 parents attended RSL events at independent schools. 94% of independent schools rated events as "good" or higher.

Ready, Set, Learn events in 2009/09 included school tours, family nights, interactive activities for the children and parents, entertainers, presentations by community partners, play stations for the children to visit, literacy activities, and engagement of the school’s older students in hosting the events.

In 2011 the children will engage in play-based and early learning activities.  All families will receive the featured book along with early learning resources.