Our Philosophy - Our preschool programs reflect the understanding of the importance of play in a child’s healthy development. Through intentional teaching practices, purposefully designed learning environments, and enriched activities, our inquiry-based recreation programs offer children opportunities to expand their skills and knowledge in a fun and safe environment.
 

Our program plans use an inquiry-based approach to learning that is centred on the children's interests. These interests are developed into activities planned by the instructors. This provides engaging learning opportunities for children, as they are encouraged to explore topics that are important to them. 

We offer several different types of registered programs for multiple ages, including parented, unparented, and pre-kindergarten options. Parented and unparented programs run between 4 to 11 weeks and pre-kindergarten (Pre-K) programs run for up to 11 weeks during the fall, winter and spring sessions. Registration for Pre-K is available for 11 weeks or all 33 weeks, September through June. We also offer summer programs for children ages 3 to 7 years old.

View all current and upcoming preschool and pre-kindergarten programs.

Registered Programs

Parented - For parents or caregivers who want to spend time with their child in a registered program that is led by an instructor.

Unparented - Your child will discover and learn in our inquiry-based programs. Our focus is to facilitate children’s play experiences and provide learning opportunities while they get comfortable being away from home. Our preschool rooms are equipped with exciting play centres for your child to experience. Programs are offered at various locations, one or two days a week, and range from 2 to 3 hours in length. Registered programs have access to facility amenities such as the Preschool Playground, Edu-tainment Centre, Love to Play room, or mini-gym spaces. Children will also have outdoor playtime.

Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) - This is a preschool program for children who are four years old and will be attending kindergarten the following year. We offer half-day (3 hours, 2 days per week), or full-day (6 hours, 1 day per week) programs at various locations. Pre-K focuses on developing social skills and building confidence while away from home. We provide foundational learning opportunities in language and literacy, pre-math, physical movement skills, and social and emotional development. Our preschool spaces are equipped with engaging play centres to ensure that your child is exposed to unique learning activities. Pre-K, programs have access to facility amenities such as the Preschool Playground, Edutainment Centre, Love to Play room or mini-gym spaces. Children will also have outdoor playtime.

Preschool is based out of two rural and three urban locations, each with unique features. Preschool rooms are equipped with numerous learning centres: art, blocks, dramatic play, sand and water, nature and science, math and manipulatives, and literacy; which are vital to the hands-on experiences you can find in our preschool programs. All our locations have indoor gyms and outdoor spaces for your active preschooler.

For facility locations see the Strathcona County recreation facilities map.

Each day is specifically balanced to provide group and individual hands-on exploration. Children will find success as they develop physically, intellectually, socially, and emotionally. A rich learning environment is developed in the classroom as children and teachers engage in meaningful conversations, stories, singing, creative activities and play that engages the whole child. 

Instructors are certified in Standard First Aid and CPR-C, National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP)-Fundamental Movement Skills, and High Five- Principles of Healthy Child Development. In addition, instructors take part in professional development opportunities that keep their skills and knowledge current in the fields of recreation and early childhood education. 

Preschool classes are currently offered at Kinsmen Leisure Centre, Millennium Place, Ardrossan Recreation Complex, and Strathcona Olympiette Centre.

For your child’s best experience, we suggest they are fully toilet trained and familiar with toileting routines before starting unparented programs. For extra reassurance, parents can send their little one wearing pull-ups. Please note, parents will be contacted by telephone to promptly attend to any changing needs.

Please send children with a small, nut free snack and water bottle for half-day programs. For full-day programs, children need a small, nut free snack, water bottle and lunch.  Programs less than 3 hours long do not require a snack.

No, parents are not required to volunteer.

Comfortable clothing that is washable and shoes for running in. Please remember when choosing clothes for your child to wear that they will be painting, gluing, and participating in gym time or outdoor play. Also, include a change of clothing in case of a spill or accident.  

On the first day, instructors will greet you and your child in the designated drop-off area. Our instructors will walk you through the check-in process and answer any questions you may have. From there, the instructor will take your child to the program space where activities will be set-up, inviting them to play. 

Parents will be asked to fill out an information form for their child, this can also be done ahead of time: 
Participant Information Form and Severe Allergy Form. Leave the completed form(s) with your child’s instructor.

Doreen Paradis, Preschool Programmer or Brittany Mulligan, Assistant Preschool Programmer
preschoolprograms@strathcona.ca