Early Learning
Learning is not an individual act but happens in relationship with people, materials, and place. All aspects of children’s learning and growing are interconnected and overlapping.
~ BC Early Learning Framework
Play is the foundation of learning, creativity, self-expression, and constructive problem-solving. It’s how children wrestle with life to make it meaningful.
~ Susan Linn
Surrey schools offer a variety of rich learning opportunities that support early learning and healthy development for young children, from birth through a child’s entry into Kindergarten. Our initiatives highlight the importance of early literacy and numeracy learning, including vibrant oral language and inquiry to support critical and creative thinking.
We also celebrate and uphold the importance of responsive adult and peer relationships, exploring nature’s capacity to nurture us, children’s identity, voice and expression, and play-based learning environments that foster safe, inclusive spaces where all children and families thrive. We value and support children’s early development across all domains: physical health and well-being; language, communication and cognition; and social and emotional development.
Upcoming event
Early Years Fair
Wednesday, November 18, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Central City Shopping Centre
A free family event for children ages 0–5: healthy snacks, exploration centres, community resources, and child care and Kindergarten program information. No registration required.
On this page
StrongStart Programs
Early years opportunities include StrongStart at 23 schools throughout the district. There is no cost for caregivers and their children to attend.
For more information and to register, please visit the StrongStart Registration page.
Early Years Invitations at Schools
Focused on families and their young children, birth through to school entry, Early Years Invitations foster positive connections between families, schools, and local community agencies.
Elementary schools host these play-based events to help build children’s solid foundation for social, emotional and cognitive development throughout their life.
Invitations are posted in the community and are also communicated through schools. Please call your local neighbourhood school to find out more about their Early Years Invitations.
Welcome to Kindergarten Invitations
In the spring, schools host various Welcome to Kindergarten events and information sessions throughout the district. To receive your invitation to your child’s school, be sure to register early.
Please contact your child’s school with any questions. Have fun exploring their new school!
Kindergarten Registration
Registration for Kindergarten 2026-2027 is now open.
For information on Kindergarten registration for the 2026-27 school year, please see our fact sheets:
For more details, see Preparing for Kindergarten: the registration process (PDF).
Questions? If you have questions about the early years, child care or transitions into Kindergarten, please contact Patty Maharaj, District Principal, Early Learning and Child Care, at maharaj_p@surreyschools.ca.
Connect to Kindergarten
Information sessions for families of children entering Kindergarten
Kindergarten is an important milestone for children, filled with new discoveries, friendships, and endless possibilities. We also know this time is equally important to parents and caregivers. To support families as they prepare for Kindergarten, we are excited to offer the Connect to K series of information sessions. Recordings of Sessions 1 and 2 are below.
Session 1: Getting Started – Registrations and Programs of Choice
Session 2: Building Strong Foundations Together
Session 3: Inside Kindergarten – How Children Learn and Grow
In person at the District Resource Education Centre (14123 92 Ave, Surrey, Room 304) on Tuesday, April 21, 7:00–8:30 pm. View the Session 3 flyer (PDF)
Child Care in Surrey
- Child care programs in Surrey schools: independently run preschool and child care programs operating in schools throughout the district.
- Child Care Options: find child care in the broader community.
- Affordable Child Care Benefit: find out if you are eligible for this subsidy.
Resources for Families
Learn more about
- StrongStart
- Kindergarten Transitions
- Connect to Kindergarten (PDF)
- Child Care Programs
- Literacy Learning with your Child
- Numeracy Learning with your Child
- Physical Health and Well-being with your Child
- Active Outdoor Play
- Family Resource Programs: Impulsive Behaviour
- Screen Time and Preschoolers
- Kindergarten Book List
