Strengthening Early Learning in SD83

In School District 83, we continue to prioritize early literacy by supporting school teams and enhancing our in-class support model. This approach places Literacy Support Teachers (LSTs) directly into Kindergarten to Grade 2 classrooms across the District, allowing them to work side-by-side with classroom teachers and students. By embedding support within the regular learning environment, students benefit from targeted literacy instruction in-class, making learning more seamless, inclusive, and effective.

This collaborative model ensures that consistent strategies and language are used across settings, helping students build strong foundational skills in reading and writing. To better understand and support individual student growth, LSTs and classroom teachers use Early Literacy Screeners and assessment tools. These tools help identify specific skill gaps and guide the planning of both whole-class instruction and small-group interventions. 

We also recognize the vital role families play in literacy development. The Ministry of Education and Child Care has developed a helpful resource ( All about early literacy ) for families to support early literacy at home. This tool empowers parents and caregivers to reinforce learning in everyday moments, creating a strong home-school connection.

If you have any questions about early literacy support or would like to learn more, please reach out to Jennifer Findlay, Director of Instruction – Early Years & Elementary, or connect with your child’s school. Thank you for your continued partnership in building strong literacy foundations for all children.