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.
 

We use an inquiry-based approach to program planning. Activities are developmentally appropriate and based on the interests of the children. This provides engaging learning opportunities for the children in our programs, as they are encouraged to explore topics that are important to them.

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. We use an inquiry-based approach to program planning. Activities are developmentally appropriate and based on the interests of the children.

Preschool programs run out of Strathcona County recreation facilities including Ardrossan Recreation Complex, Strathcona Olympiette Centre, Kinsmen Leisure Centre, and Millennium Place. Our programs have access to facility amenities such as the Preschool Playground, Edu-tainment Centre, Love to Play Room, mini-gyms, and unique outdoor play spaces. Preschool rooms are equipped with numerous learning centres including art, blocks, dramatic play, sand and water, nature and science, math and manipulatives, and literacy which are vital to the hands-on experiences provided in each program.

For facility locations see the Strathcona County recreation facilities map.

Each day is specifically balanced to provide group and individual hands-on exploration. Children 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. Instructors also 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.

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.

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.

No, parents are not required to volunteer.

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.  

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.

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