Preschool programs

Pre-K programs provide foundational learning opportunities in language and literacy, pre-math, movement, and social development.

Pre-K program registration

Unparented programs focus on social and emotional development, strengthening fine and gross motor skills, and building confidence being away from parents or guardians.

Unparented program registration

Parented programs support children building relationships and learning new skills, while maintaining their comfort-zone with a loved one nearby.

Parented program registration

Children participate in engaging indoor and outdoor play opportunities including art, stories, games and physical movement activities that encompass the wonders of the season.

Fall Break program registration

Note: preschool Sportball is offered through our partner, Sportball Edmonton. You can register through sportball.ca, or by calling 780-850-2511.

Sportball parented classes for children 16 months to 7 years of age are structured around a play-based curriculum. Classes are taught through imaginative storylines and age-appropriate language that kids can understand and respond to.

Parented programs integrate sport & social skills development through activities that feel just like daily play. In addition to parents and kids being active together in class, parents also come away from our programs inspired and full of ideas that can be used at home to form the foundation of a shared active lifestyle with their growing athletes. (program description sourced from sportball.ca)

Locations

• Ardrossan Recreation Complex – Outside the facility at the South Entrance (view exact location)
• Millennium Place – Outside the facility at the East Entrance (view exact location)
• Kinsmen Leisure Centre – Outside the facility by the sliding door (view exact location)

On-time drop-off routine

• When you arrive, wait at the designated drop-off area with your child.  For everyone’s safety, we kindly ask all parents/guardians to wear a mask during drop-off and pick-up times and remember to maintain 6 feet of physical distance between yourself and others.
• Instructors will greet you outside 10 minutes prior to the program start time to complete the check-in process.
• There are 2 sheets that parents/guardians must initial each day the child attends the program:
  • Alberta Health Daily Checklist – Read through the checklist posted on the bulletin board (also attached to this email) and initial on the designated sheet that you have completed the pre-screen for your child. Remember to check your child’s temperature before attending the program to ensure they do not have a fever.
  • Sign-in – Initial next to your child’s name on the designated sheet to sign them in at drop-off.
• Once you have completed the health checklist and signed-in for the day, you will wait with your child until the instructors indicate that it is time to “hug and go”.  From there, you will depart and the instructors will guide the children to the classroom to begin their day.

Late drop-offs (after scheduled start time):

• In order for your child to have the best possible experience, we ask that you try to be on time for the program.  However, we do understand that sometimes circumstances arise that may cause you to be late.
• Call the facility, and let one of the customer service representatives know that you are there for preschool.  They will notify the instructors and one of them will come down to complete the pre-screen and bring your child to join the class. Alternatively, if you are permitted to enter the facility, you may bring your child to the program area to complete the pre-screen and sign-in, adhering to the facility guidelines.

On-time pick-up routine:

• When you arrive, wait at the designated pick-up area as indicated on the map.  For everyone’s safety, we kindly ask all parents/guardians to wear a mask during drop-off and pick-up times and remember to maintain 6 feet of physical distance between yourself and others.
• Instructors will bring the children and their belongings to meet you after class has finished.
  • Sign-out – Initial next to your child’s name on the designated sheet to sign them out at pick-up.
• Wait until the instructor indicates they have made note your child has been picked up, then you are free to go.

Late pick-ups (after scheduled end time):

• Call the facility, and let one of the customer service representatives know that you are there for preschool.  They will notify the instructors and one of them will bring your child and their belongings to meet you at the designated pick-up area. Alternatively, if you are permitted to enter the facility, you may pick-up your child from the program area and sign-out, adhering to the facility guidelines.

Effective September 10, masks are mandatory in indoor public spaces.

Masking for preschool programs

• Children arrive with a mask. Parents are asked to bring extra masks,
• Children will wear their mask during play time in the classroom,
• Children can remove their mask when engaged in high energy play, like running in the mini gym.
• Children can remove their mask while seated having snack or lunch.
• Outdoor play time – masks may be removed once outdoors, but must be worn while exiting or entering the facility.

Several modifications have been made to the guidelines. We appreciate your participation in helping keep our staff and participants safe.

• Preschool staff will follow all provincial and Strathcona County guidelines to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
• Stay home if you are sick, experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 or have been directed to self-isolate.
• Classes are being offered at reduced sizes.
• Participants will be asked to self-screen upon arrival at each program.
• Activities have been modified to encourage physical distancing (example: no hand-holding during activities).
• Hand sanitizer is available – participants are asked to use it when entering and leaving the program space.
• Please leave non-essential items at home (toys, blankets, etc.) and only bring a backpack with extra clothes and masks, a water bottle, and a small snack for half-day programs; include a lunch for full-day programs.
• If you need to speak to your child's teacher, please do so while practicing physical distancing.
• Enhanced cleaning protocols are in place – tables, chairs, toys and equipment will be sanitized after each class. High-touch surfaces will be cleaned throughout the program time. Hard to clean items and plush toys have been removed from the program.

We are constantly learning and adapting to changes and new best practices. If you have questions or concerns about your child's experience – please connect with us via email at preschoolprograms@strathcona.ca.

Kindergarten Readiness (Pre-K), Kindergarten Kids, Preschool Play-cation, STEAM Squad and Forest Adventures

Children registered in unparented programs should be toilet trained. Please note: parents/guardians will be contacted by phone to attend to any changing needs.

What to bring to class:

• Please leave all non-essential items at home (toys, blankets, etc.), and ensure that all items outlined below are clearly labelled with your child’s name.
• A backpack with indoor shoes and extra clothes.
• Snack/lunch items that your child can easily open and close on their own. Half day (3 hours) – a water bottle and a small, nut-free snack. Full day (6 hours) – a water bottle, a small, nut-free snack and lunch. Programs less than 3 hours long do not require a snack.
• Sunscreen and bug spray. Please apply before class begins.

Prepare for outdoor play:

• Dress for the season/weather:
  • 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. Open-toe shoes such as sandals are not recommended.
  • Wear pants that are warm and waterproof. Snow pants are recommended for colder months and rain pants are recommended for warmer months.
  • Mittens are better than gloves for keeping hands warm, as fingers generate more heat when they are not separated.
  • Apply sunscreen and bug spray before class starts.
• Registrants in outdoor programs should use the washroom prior to attending class; access to facility washrooms may be limited.
• Classes may be cancelled or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather conditions including, but not limited to: extreme temperatures (-20 C or colder with the wind chill factor), poor air quality, or severe storms, if an indoor space if unavailble to utilize. Participants will be notified via email regarding class cancellations a minimum of 2 hours before the program start time.