A wonderful opportunity to play with your child and make new friends. Parented programs help your child build confidence for unparented adventures.

Parented program registration

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.

Unparented program registration

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.

Pre-K program registration

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.

Summer camp registration

Preschool drop-in times

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.

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.

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.
 

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. 
  • Open-toe shoes such as sandals are not permitted. 
  • Apply sunscreen and bug spray prior to drop-off. 
  • Bring a hat for additional sun protection.