Strong Start to Reading

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Strong Start to Reading Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Strong Start to Reading, Charitable organisation, 565 Kumpf Drive , Unit 1, Waterloo, ON.

Strong Start® is a registered Canadian charity that helps children learn to read by providing unique programs & services through community-wide partnerships in ON.

What can $10 a month do?When you give monthly to Strong Start, your ongoing support helps us provide literacy programs t...
10/13/2026

What can $10 a month do?

When you give monthly to Strong Start, your ongoing support helps us provide literacy programs that give children opportunities to strengthen their skills and build confidence.

A monthly gift is a simple way to support this work throughout the year, helping Strong Start continue to provide programs to children and families in communities across Ontario.

Start with $10 a month. Become a monthly donor today at the link in our bio.

10/09/2026

We have some exciting news to share! 💎💙

Strong Start has been recognized with a Diamond Award in the Non-Profit/Foundations category of the Readers’ Choice Awards!

This recognition means so much to our team and reflects the incredible support of our volunteers, donors, partners, and community who help us make a difference in the lives of young learners every day.

To everyone who voted for Strong Start and continues to support our mission of helping children learn to read, THANK YOU! 💙

Strong reading skills are built one letter, one sound, and one word at a time.Through the Letters, Sounds and Words™ pro...
10/07/2026

Strong reading skills are built one letter, one sound, and one word at a time.

Through the Letters, Sounds and Words™ program, children work one-on-one with trained Volunteer Coaches using carefully designed games and activities to build foundational reading skills.

Along the way, they build confidence as they strengthen the foundational skills that support reading.

Learn more about Letters, Sounds and Words at https://strongstart.ca/programs/letters-sounds-and-words/.

“How was school?”It’s often the first question we ask at the end of the day, but it doesn’t always get children talking....
10/06/2026

“How was school?”

It’s often the first question we ask at the end of the day, but it doesn’t always get children talking.

Try switching it up with a question that invites them to share more about their day.

“What made you laugh today?”
“What’s one new thing you learned?”
“Tell me about something you noticed today.”

Every conversation gives children an opportunity to express themselves, build vocabulary, and practise their language skills.

Try one at pickup, around the dinner table, or on the way home from school.

10/06/2026

A founding trustee reflects on 25 years of impact.

Jim Hallman has been part of Strong Start’s story from the beginning. In this reflection, he shares what makes him most proud—and his hopes for the future of helping children build confidence through reading.

For 25 years, Strong Start has been powered by community, partnerships, and a shared belief in the life-changing power of literacy.

📚 “My son has gained so many skills that will benefit him when he starts school in September. He has made friends in the...
10/05/2026

📚 “My son has gained so many skills that will benefit him when he starts school in September. He has made friends in the program and improved his social and sharing skills.” – Nicole, Parent, Get Ready for School program

The Get Ready for School program helps children ages 3-4 build early literacy skills, develop confidence, and prepare for Kindergarten—all while supporting parents with resources to continue learning at home.

💙 Learn more at the link in our bio.

September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.The National Day for Truth and Rec...
09/30/2026

September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was established in response to Call to Action 80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which called for a statutory holiday to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and to ensure the history and legacy of residential schools are publicly remembered.

Today is an opportunity to remember, reflect, and continue learning about this history, its lasting impacts, and the experiences and perspectives of Indigenous Peoples.

This year, we’re sharing Stolen Words by Melanie Florence, illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard. Through the relationship between a young girl and her grandfather, the story explores the loss of language caused by residential schools and the importance of culture, family, and connection.

Books can offer a thoughtful way to begin age-appropriate conversations with children about difficult parts of our history. We encourage families to explore Stolen Words and continue learning from Indigenous stories and voices.

A big thank you to the team at Trusscore for spending the day with us at Strong Start!On Wednesday, September 23, 19 Tru...
09/29/2026

A big thank you to the team at Trusscore for spending the day with us at Strong Start!

On Wednesday, September 23, 19 Trusscore team members collectively volunteered 38 hours, helping assemble parts for 2,237 games and activities used in Strong Start programs to help children build the skills and confidence they need to learn to read.

We are so grateful for your time, teamwork, and hands-on support. Every game assembled helps us bring meaningful early literacy experiences to more children in our community.

Thank you, Trusscore, for helping make a difference, one activity and one child at a time. 💙📚

09/29/2026

✨ "Miracles occur between the first class and the 44th class."

For 25 years, Strong Start has been helping children discover what they're capable of. In our Get Ready for School program, Program Manager Kirsten Carr watches children walk in feeling scared or anxious—and walk out saying, "I can do this. I am confident. I am a leader." 💙
With around 400 children each year building skills, confidence, and school readiness through everyday activities, the change is hard to put into words.

So we'll let Kirsten say it: what matters is the difference you make in the life of a child.

As a Strong Start Volunteer Coach, you will work one-on-one with a child through the Letters, Sounds and Words™ program,...
09/28/2026

As a Strong Start Volunteer Coach, you will work one-on-one with a child through the Letters, Sounds and Words™ program, helping them practice foundational reading skills and build confidence along the way.

Strong Start supports volunteers with the training and resources they need to help children build foundational literacy skills and confidence.

Strong Start provides all training, materials, and carefully designed games and activities. In just 30 minutes a week for 10 weeks, you can make a meaningful difference in the life of a child.

Interested in becoming a Volunteer Coach this school year? Learn more at the link in our bio.

Address

565 Kumpf Drive , Unit 1
Waterloo, ON
N2V1K3

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+15197439578

Website

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