Pre-Kindergarten

Program Description

Pre-Kindergarten builds children's strengths and skills in a playful, language-rich environment. This program supports children who have developmental delays, have a first language other than English, or identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit. To attend Pre-Kindergarten, children need to go to a screening or information session in the spring to confirm they are eligible. Learn more about placement in the Pre-Kindergarten Program for 2018-19.

GOALS

• Develop speech, language and motor skills
• Learn to share, problem solve and express themselves
• Discover new experiences, friends and a love of learning
• Build self-esteem and confidence in a playful and welcoming environment

BENEFITS

• Improved ability to socialize and play with others
• Increased opportunities to share and celebrate a variety of cultural backgrounds with classmates
• Increased opportunities for families to connect with the school community and support their child’s learning before Kindergarten

PROGRAM DELIVERY

• Half-day classes scheduled four days per week
• Class sizes ranging from 8 to 16 children
• Playful and engaging learning environment
• Flexible instruction based on children’s needs and interests
• Access to multidisciplinary support, such as speech and language, physical therapy, occupational therapy and school family liaison services to help children work on communication, mobility and sensory exploration

ELIGIBILITY  

To be eligible for Pre-Kindergarten, children must have a first language other than English, have mild, moderate or severe developmental delays, or identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit.

Pre-Kindergarten may be available to children for one, two or three years of programming, depending on children’s needs. For more information, contact a school offering Pre-Kindergarten.

Age requirements

Children who:

• have severe special education needs are eligible if they are two years old on or before January 1
• have mild or moderate developmental delays are eligible if they are three years old on or before March 1
• have a first language other than English are eligible if they are three years old on or before March 1
• identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit are eligible if they are three years old on or before March 1

SCREENING AND INFORMATION SESSIONS

Parents and families interested in Pre-Kindergarten for the 2018-19 school year need to sign up for either a screening or information session this spring. Parents only need to sign up for one session.

Screening sessions

Screening sessions for Pre-Kindergarten for the 2018-19 school year are now closed. 

If you are interested in seeing if your child is eligible for the 2018-19 school year, please contact one of the schools offering Pre-Kindergarten and ask if they have room on their waiting list should spots become available.

Screening sessions are open to all families with a child who is not in the process of being formally assessed or diagnosed by a healthcare professional. During a screening session, a Speech Language Pathologist and Occupational Therapist will use toys, books and fun activities to evaluate your child to help us figure out if your child is eligible for Pre-Kindergarten.

Information sessions for children with assessments or reports

Information sessions are for children who have a formal report or diagnosis from a healthcare professional. If your child has a report (dated after March 1, 2017) from Alberta Health Services or is scheduled to receive an assessment after March 1, you are invited to attend an information session to find out if your child is eligible for Pre-Kindergarten in the upcoming school year.

Information sessions are being held from April 1 to May 18. Please contact one of our Pre-Kindergarten schools to sign up for an information session.

ALBERTA CURRICULUM

All Edmonton Public Schools programming is based on curriculum determined by Alberta Education. Children enrolled in Pre-Kindergarten will receive the same high-quality education offered in all of our programs.

TRANSPORTATION

For more information about yellow bus service, contact a school offering Pre-Kindergarten or call Student Transportation at 780-429-8585. Yellow bus service may be available for children with severe special education needs.

CONTACT

For more information about Pre-Kindergarten, contact a school offering the program or District Support Services at 780-429-8030.

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