Register in summer camps
Registration is now open for all summer camp programs.
Sneak Peek Week
Drop-in to learn about all the fun in our preschool programs! This is a time for parents and preschoolers to visit our classrooms, learn about on-site field trips, meet the teachers and ask questions.
- May 16 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Kinsmen Leisure Centre
- May 17 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Strathcona Olympiette Centre
- May 23 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Millennium Place
Programs offered
Strathcona County offers programs for children on their preschool journey. Our indoor and outdoor spaces encourage children to interact with others while they explore, play and learn. Children take an active role in their learning with the support of our instructors.
Registered programs and drop-in times run at different recreation facilities in Strathcona County throughout the year.
Preschool programs
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A wonderful opportunity to play with your child and make new friends. Parented programs help your child build confidence for unparented adventures.
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Children explore independence in unparented classes. Programs focus on social development and strengthening fine and gross motor skills in a fun and safe environment. Each class has scheduled time to play at the indoor playgrounds or outside.
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Pre-kindergarten (Pre-K) programs (4Y-5Y)
Permanent link to Pre-kindergarten (Pre-K) programs (4Y-5Y)This program is for children four years old and attending kindergarten the next year. Pre-K programs support the transition to school by providing play-based activities that develop language and literacy, pre-math, physical movement, and social skills. Each class has scheduled time to play at the indoor playgrounds or outside.
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Day camps offer engaging indoor and outdoor play opportunities including art, stories, games, and physical movement activities that will keep your child busy for hours. Half-day or full-day camps are scheduled during session breaks and in the summer. Visit our summer camp programs page for information on camp guidelines, pre/post-care and forms.
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Parented drop-in
Families with young children can enjoy parented drop-in times in the unique play spaces at the Kinsmen Leisure Centre and Ardrossan Recreation Complex. The Preschool Playground and Love to Play room are designed to encourage imagination and exploration in a fun and safe environment.
Cost: Parented drop-in times are included with regular facility admission rates and on the Active Pass.
Unparented drop-in
Preschool instructors plan and set-up activities that invite children ages 2-5 years to explore, discover, and learn through play. Facilitated by our preschool instructors. Parents or caregivers can take some time for themselves, run errands, or workout in our facilities.
Cost: Preschool $16 drop-in fee applies.
NEW: Plan your summer camp registration with the 2023 Summer Camps Guide (10.5 MB) .
Know before you go
Preschool guidelines and procedures
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The instructor will greet you and your child and guide you through the drop-off process. A parent or guardian is required to sign-in and sign-out their child each day.
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At preschool, we are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for children to learn, play, and grow. Please keep your child at home if they experience any of the following:
- A fever above 38C*
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- A persistent cough
- A runny nose with yellow-green mucus
- An undiagnosed rash.
- Discharge from the eyes
- A diagnosed infection*
- Lethargic or listless
- Generally unwell
*Your child may return to class once they are fever free for 24hrs without the use of medication or if their diagnosed infection has been treated for a minimum of 48hrs.
Please report any cases of communicable diseases which may be present in your home (ex. chicken pox, scarlet fever, whooping cough, measles, lice, etc.) to preschoolprograms@strathcona.ca.
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Children must be fully toilet trained before starting unparented programs. For extra reassurance, little ones may wear a pull-up during program time. If an accident occurs, parents will be contacted to attend to any changing needs.
What to bring to class:
Ensure that all items outlined below are clearly labelled with your child’s name.
- A backpack with indoor shoes and extra clothes.
- A water bottle (all programs).
- A small, nut free snack for half-day programs (3 hours).
- A small, nut free snack and lunch for full-day camps (6 hours).
- Appropriate clothing for outdoor play.
- Please leave items like toys and blankets at home.
Prepare for outdoor play:
- Recommended winter wear:
- Wear layers to allow for regulation of body temperature.
- Choose a hat that covers the whole head, including the ears.
- Appropriate footwear such as running shoes, rain boots, or winter boots.
- Wear pants that are warm and waterproof. Snow pants are recommended for colder months and rain pants are recommended for rainy days.
- Mittens are better than gloves for keeping hands warm, as fingers generate more heat when they are not separated.
- Recommended summer wear:
- Dress your child in layers to allow for regulation of body temperature.Â
- Open-toe shoes such as sandals are not permitted.Â
- Apply sunscreen and bug spray prior to drop-off.Â
- Bring a hat for additional sun protection. Â
About preschool programs
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Our preschool programs reflect 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.
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We use an inquiry-based approach to program planning. Program plans include developmentally appropriate activities based on the children's interests. This provides engaging learning opportunities as children are encouraged to explore topics that are important to them.
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Drop-in times and registered programs are available 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.
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Preschool programs run out of Strathcona County recreation facilities including Ardrossan Recreation Complex, Strathcona Olympiette Centre, Kinsmen Leisure Centre, and Millennium Place. Our programs use facility amenities such as the Preschool Playground, Edu-tainment Centre, Love to Play Room, mini-gyms, and outdoor play spaces. Preschool rooms have many learning centres including art, blocks, dramatic play, sand and water, nature and science, math and manipulatives, and literacy. Learning centres provide with hands-on experiences that are essential for growth and development.
For facility locations, see the Strathcona County recreation facilities map.
Common questions
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1. Why choose Strathcona County preschool programs?
Permanent link to Why choose Strathcona County preschool programs?Our preschool programs provide a nurturing and supportive setting where children are celebrated as they develop physically, intellectually, socially and emotionally. A rich learning environment is created as children and teachers participate in meaningful conversations, stories, singing, creative activities and play that engages the whole child. Classes are inclusive and accept children who have qualified for Early Childhood Services along with their support worker.
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2. What qualifications do Strathcona County preschool instructors have?
Permanent link to What qualifications do Strathcona County preschool instructors have?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. Instructors also take part in professional development opportunities that keep their skills and knowledge current in the fields of recreation and early childhood education.
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3. Which Strathcona County facilities offer preschool programs?
Permanent link to Which Strathcona County facilities offer preschool programs?Preschool classes are currently offered at Kinsmen Leisure Centre, Millennium Place, Ardrossan Recreation Complex, and Strathcona Olympiette Centre.
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4. Does my child need to be potty trained?
Permanent link to Does my child need to be potty trained?Children must be fully toilet trained before starting unparented programs. For extra reassurance, little ones may wear a pull-up during program time. If an accident occurs, parents will be contacted to attend to any changing needs.
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5. Do I need to bring a snack for my child?
Permanent link to Do I need to bring a snack for my child?Please send children with a water bottle. Half-day (3 hour) programs need a small, nut free snack. Full-day (6 hour) programs need a small, nut free snack and lunch.
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No, parents are not required to volunteer.
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7. What should my child wear to their preschool program?
Permanent link to What should my child wear to their preschool program?Comfortable clothing that is washable and shoes for running in. Remember when choosing clothes your child 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. 
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8. What happens on the first day of programs?
Permanent link to What happens on the first day of programs?Our instructors will greet you, collect the program forms, and answer any questions you may have. You will sign-in your child, say goodbye, and the preschool instructors will begin the program.
Program forms can be completed ahead of time:
Participant Information Form and Severe Allergy Form. Leave the completed form(s) with your child’s instructor. -
9. Who can I contact if I have further questions?
Permanent link to Who can I contact if I have further questions?Doreen Paradis, Preschool Programmer or Brittany Mulligan, Assistant Preschool Programmer
preschoolprograms@strathcona.ca
Questions?
780-467-2211
recreation@strathcona.ca
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Last updated: Tuesday, April 18, 2023
Page ID: 38417