1. In 2006, with the support of The Learning Partnership and The Ministry of Education Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat, funding was provided for projects which complimented the Welcome to Kindergarten Program in the District of Nipissing in order to address the gap in school readiness between children of this area and the rest of the province. After considerable community consultation... Let the Learning Begin began.

2. Each year since then, The Learning Partnership, in co- operation with community agencies, and other Early Years partners have continued to host this free, bilingual, interactive and play based early learning conference for families with children birth to age 6. The following pages showcase the overarching objectives and goals of our family fun fair.

3. LTLB conference is intended to heighten awareness of the importance of the early years.

4. LTLB showcases resources and strategies to be used in the home.

5. LTLB helps link families to the wealth of resources available in the District of Nipissing.

6. LTLB supports children in their transition to school with interactive displays and workshops that promote literacy, numeracy and healthy active living.

7. LTLB encourages cultural awareness, knowledge and sensitivity at an early age.

8. LTLB assists parents with early identification of childhood early learning challenges and helps put them in touch with appropriate resources.

9. LTLB endeavours to help close the gap on how our children are doing as they enter the education system and improve the long term graduation rates of youth in this area.

10. The 20 member organizing committee is extremely appreciative and recognizes the in-kind and financial support of all four district school boards, local agencies, businesses and service groups in order to have offered Let the Learning Begin Family Fun Fair for eight years.

11. Contributing Community Partners Near North District School Board Nipissing Parry Sound Catholic District School Board Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord Conseil scolaire publique du Nord-Est de l’Ontario North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit One Kids Place Hands...The Family Help Network.ca Community Living North Bay/Ontario Early Years/Resource Teacher Program Children’s Aid Society of Nipissing/Infant and Child Development Nipissing District Developmental Screen

12. More... Contributing Community Partners Nipissing University YMCA of North Bay Nipissing First Nation North Bay Indian Friendship Centre M é tis Nation of Ontario Union Gas Various Service Clubs Child Care Centres from Nipissing and Parry Sound Community Counselling Centre of Nipissing Canadore College Frontier College

13. We Appreciate our Student Volunteers

14. We couldn’t continue to offer our family fun fair for free without our generous supporters like Union Gas and all four district school boards.

15. Key messages of Welcome to Kindergarten orientations are included in all workshops while serving a broader age group. There are more opportunities for shared play and discovery to support children as they prepare for school entry. Messages communicated through interactive learning include: The parent is the child’s first and best teacher. Make time for intentional play and discovery. Use talk (speaking and listening) as you play and discover together. Recognize and celebrate your child’s successes. Talk, sing and read to your child in your first language. The resources in the registration bag are for you and your child to enjoy together. Please complete a survey to help us in our planning for future conferences

16. Thank you for your time and investment in the children and families in the District of Nipissing. Additional information will be available at our Let the Learning Begin display. “If we succeed in giving the love of learning, the learning itself is sure to follow.” Sir John Lubbock