Entering kindergarten is an exciting time and a big step for children and their families. It is a wonderful time when children are encouraged to grow creatively, culturally, emotionally, intellectually, physically as well as socially. Parents and teachers work together to ensure transition from home to school as smooth as possible.

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Full day Kindergarten is being offered at the following schools:

• Annie L. Gaetz Elementary – Full day and half day options
• Barrie Wilson Elementary – English program only offering full and half day options; French Immersion offering half day only
• Don Campbell Elementary – Full day only
• Gateway Christian – Full day only
• Mattie McCullough Elementary – Full days, with option of half days if enough interest
• Oriole Park Elementary – Both English and French Immersion programs, full days only

Students will be able to attend on either Mondays & Wednesdays or Tuesdays & Thursdays with alternating Fridays.

Programming for young children is based on the following beliefs:

• Kindergarten is to help children acquire early skills in literacy, numeracy, communication and problem solving
• Kindergarten provides children the necessary skills and knowledge for future academic success
• Parents are the most important partners in their child’s education.

The word kindergarten literally means “children’s garden” and recognizes that environment and education contribute to a well-rounded personality. It recognizes the education value of play and hands-on experience. It is meant as a supplement to the nurturing environment at home and encourages the involvement and cooperation of parents in the classroom setting.

While kindergarten is a time for learning, being with other children and developing new skills, it is also a time where the school can identify a child’s strengths as well as needs. This gives teachers an opportunity to start programming for the individual child and the group as a whole.

Learning in Kindergarten

Alberta Education develops the curriculum for Kindergarten in consultation with early childhood teachers. It describes what young children need to learn to prepare for Grade 1 and provides a foundation for future learning. More information is available by clicking here.

Teachers use the curriculum to plan learning activities that meet the Kindergarten children’s needs, abilities and to assess their educational progress. The Kindergarten Program of Studies focuses on developing creative expression, early literacy, personal and social responsibility, physical skills and well-being, environment and community awareness, early numeracy, citizenship and identity, information and communication skills.

Family Oriented Programming Sessions

Family Oriented Programming provides an opportunity for parents and children to learn and spend time together! Classroom based and district based sessions are available to parents/caregivers and children who are attending our Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten programs and have identified delays. The programs are designed to provide additional specialized programming hours for children and offer parents support in various areas of need. Click here to view sessions.