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. 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.

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.

Preschool programs run out of Strathcona County recreation facilities including Ardrossan Recreation Complex, Emerald Hills Leisure Centre, Kinsmen Leisure Centre, Millennium Place and Strathcona Olympiette Centre.

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 children with hands-on experiences that are essential for growth and development.

For facility locations, see the Strathcona County recreation facilities map.

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.

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 programs or drop-in times are currently offered at Kinsmen Leisure Centre, Millennium Place, Ardrossan Recreation Complex, Emerald Hills Leisure Centre 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 
preschoolprograms@strathcona.ca