The Franc départ program (Strong Start) is a Ministry of Education initiative implemented by the CSF (francophone education authority) and the FPFCB ( Francophone Parents Federation of BC). Its mission is to invite francophone children from birth to age five, accompanied by their adult parent or guardian, to participate in a variety of French-language activities at the Franc départ location, at no cost to participants.  

On a beautiful winter morning at the Penticton Franc départ centre, preschoolers and their parents are invited to create dreamcatchers together. Little fingers work hard to thread coloured beads and weave beautiful webs, while the adults talk about the challenges that come with young children's sleep patterns.

Meanwhile, pirates have landed at the Nelson Franc départ centre, and everyone goes on a search for treasure! By leading with a story, the educator gets the children and parents to use their imagination and learn new vocabulary while exploring the pirates’ world.

At the same time, at the Port Coquitlam Franc départ centre, a “Rendez-vous des petits bonheurs” program activity takes place. During these very special visits, little ones and their parents joyfully welcome seniors in the community. Together, they share pleasant moments, by either reading stories, making cookies, or making a collective quilt that has the name of each child attending the centre!

To learn more about the six Franc départ centres in BC, visit the Franc départ page on our website! (This page is available only in French.)