Pre-Kindergarten

Pre-Kindergarten builds children’s strengths and skills through play in a language-rich environment. The program is for children with high support needs who are between:

• 2 years and 8 months old, and
• 4 years and 8 months old

Children must be in this age range by September 1 of the year they are attending.

Pre-Kindergarten supports children to express themselves and engage in problem-solving through play-based experiences that support communication and motor development. The environment supports:

• confidence
• connection with others
• exploration
• a love of learning

Six Division schools offer Pre-Kindergarten.

GOALS

• Support children to express themselves, share, and solve problems.
• Develop communication and motor skills through play and guided activities.
• Build confidence and form positive connections with peers in a welcoming space.
• Explore new experiences and grow a love for learning.
• Respect each child’s individual way of interacting.

BENEFITS

• Regular access to specialized support, such as:
  • speech and language pathology
  • occupational therapy
  • physical therapy
• Develop skills and strategies that support each child’s learning, growth and participation.
• Create opportunities for children to connect, play and engage with others.
• Offer spaces to celebrate and learn from each child’s unique strengths and diversity.
• Build a strong partnership between the family and school.
• Support children in preparing for a smooth transition into Kindergarten.
• Begin your child’s education with Edmonton Public Schools, where they can build comfort and confidence in the classroom and experience a smooth, supportive transition into Kindergarten.

PROGRAM DELIVERY

• Half-day classes.
• One certified teacher and two educational assistants in every class.
• Playful and engaging learning environment.
• Learning experiences that match each child’s strengths, interests, curiosity and choices.

ELIGIBILITY

Pre-Kindergarten is for children with severe needs based on Alberta Education and Childcare criteria. To be eligible for Pre-Kindergarten, children must meet the following criteria:

• be between the ages of 2 years and 8 months and 4 years and 8 months old by September 1 of the year they are attending
• have a severe language delay or another diagnosis that requires high support

If you believe your child meets these requirements, please contact a school offering Pre-Kindergarten or complete one of the expression of interest forms based on where you live:

• if you live north of the North Saskatchewan River, fill out the northside expression of interest form
• if you live south of the North Saskatchewan River, fill out the southside expression of interest form

Starting in February, schools will contact families who completed the expression of interest form to collect more information. If necessary, schools will arrange for a speech language pathologist to assess your child's language skills. Assessments begin in March each school year.

REGISTRATION FOR PRE-KINDERGARTEN

To register for Pre-Kindergarten, please contact a school that offers Pre-Kindergarten to confirm that your child meets the eligibility criteria. 

TRANSPORTATION

Children registered in a Pre-Kindergarten program may be eligible for busing depending on their location. Contact a school offering Pre-Kindergarten to discuss eligibility and busing options.