International Women’s Day (March 8) is a time to celebrate the strength, leadership, and achievements of women — and to recognize the importance of nurturing confidence and opportunity from a young age. The StrongStart program, offered locally by Sea to Sky Community Services, supports young children and families across the Sea to Sky by creating welcoming spaces where children can learn, explore, and build the skills that shape their futures.
Early learning plays an important role in helping children develop confidence, curiosity, and a sense of belonging. These qualities create a strong foundation that empowers young girls — and all children — to grow into capable leaders, learners, and engaged community members. We spoke with Donna McLeod, a member of our StrongStart team in Pemberton, about the program’s impact and how early childhood experiences help inspire the leaders of tomorrow.
For readers who may not be familiar, can you tell us what Strong Start is and how it supports young children and families across the Sea to Sky Corridor?
StrongStart is a pre-school aged program set up in public schools where families can bring their children to play with other children. Families with young children have access to resources and professionals who can support them during these very important learning years . It is also a safe place where childhood and family friendships are formed. Children and parents learn alongside each other with the support of professionals and peers.
International Women’s Day celebrates empowerment and leadership. How does Strong Start help build confidence and a sense of capability in young children, especially girls, from an early age?
Children are provided with age-appropriate materials and activities to play. When a child can work at the appropriate developmental level it builds confidence in their abilities. Children are exposed to diverse cultures and ways of life and are able to learn positive problem-solving skills while playing with multiple ages and types of people. This builds confidence, kindness, empathy and the ability to stand up for themselves.
Can you share a moment from your work that made you feel hopeful about the next generation of female leaders growing up here in the Sea to Sky Corridor?
Any time I see a child in oversized high heels and draped in pink tulle taking on the world armed with only a pretend magic wand and a big attitude I feel hopeful for the female leaders of the next generation.
I see bravery (standing up for a friend), confidence ( proudly talking about a structure they have just built), empathy (consoling a crying child) and competence (successfully navigating the playroom with all it’s problems and messiness) in the children who play here.
In your experience working directly with families, what changes or growth have you seen in children who participate in Strong Start — particularly in their confidence, voice, or love of learning?
Children who attend StrongStart feel comfortable in a classroom environment which makes kindergarten transition easier. StongStart also gives parents and caregivers connections with families who could be with their child for the rest of their school career. This helps facilitate children’s learning in and out of the classroom by extending a reliable support network that everyone involved can feel comfortable and confident with.
Why is investing in early childhood programs like Strong Start so important for building strong, inclusive communities and supporting the next generation of leaders?
Programs like StrongStart are very important. It is an environment where children can learn about successfully interacting with all kinds of people from a very early age. It takes a village to raise a child. We live in a very mobile world where families live far away from their villages. StrongStart , in many ways has become that support village.
Donna’s experiences demonstrate what we know: early learning experiences help children build confidence, connection, and a strong sense of belonging. By investing in early childhood development — through early learning programs like StrongStart—, we are not only supporting families today but we’re also helping shape a future generation of compassionate, capable leaders who will strengthen our communities for years to come.
To learn more about StrongStart or find a program near you, visit our webpage or connect with Sea to Sky Community Services.