Kindergarten

Alberta Education Early Childhood Services Policy states "Early Childhood Services programs meet the developmental learning needs of children and prepare them for lifelong learning".

The Kindergarten Program is based on Alberta curriculum in the areas of English and French Language Arts, Math and Social Studies as well as on statements that describe desired learning outcomes across the areas of physical, intellectual, social, cultural, creative and emotional development. The expectations of the six learning areas are interrelated. Young children learn in an integrated way during instructional activities. These learnings are accomplished not only in the Kindergarten program but also in the home and community.

Getting Ready for Kindergarten

Create a positive attitude towards school so that your child happily anticipates their first "big school" experience.

Build good health practices, ensuring that your child has a daily bed-time routine and a nutritious diet which starts with breakfast each day.

Make sure that your child is independent with self-care routines: using the washroom and practicing good hygiene; managing zippers, buttons and snaps on clothing. If you plan to send tie up shoes to school, your child should have mastered this skill before Kindergarten starts. Otherwise, shoes fastened with Velcro are a good choice.

Help your child learn safety rules, especially in crossing the streets in town or the road in rural areas:

  • Create a family emergency plan that includes what do if you get lost or hurt.
  • Help your child practice memorizing and dialing important phone numbers.
  • Talk to your child about who is likely to be a "safe" stranger (Eg. School Office Staff, School Patrollers or bus and playground supervisors wearing vests).
  • Establish habits of picking up and putting away your toys, books and clothing.

Provide coloring books and scissors to develop your child's fine motor skills. These are a precursor to printing because they develop hand strength and small muscle coordination.

Encourage the use of full sentences and clear pronounciation, when your child is asking or telling information. If you are concerned about your child's speech or ability to understand directions, make an appointment with a Speech Pathologist at your local Community Health Centre for a screening. There is no need for a doctor's referral. Parents can call directly but please be prepared for a waiting list.

Spend lots of time reading to your child. Reading to your child in the preschool years is the best predictor of academic success throughout their education. Read all sorts of texts: Nursery Rhymes, fact and fiction books, signs, menus, labels, learning and game software: anything and everything that is suitable for young children.

Share as many life experiences as you can with your child - from grocery shopping trips and errands to involvement in music, sports and fun at the beach. With each event, your child is accumulating building blocks to success in school and in life.

How do I Register my Child for Kindergarten?

We look forward to welcoming your child to Chinook's Edge School Division! Once you know that your child meets the age requirement for Kindergarten in Chinook's Edge, which is five years on or before December 31st, check the Schools link on this website to determine which elementary school your child will attend.

We invite you to phone or visit the school (no appointment necessary) to get specific information on the available Kindergarten programs, the schedule and any necessary school supplies. You will be asked to complete a school registration form and provide proof of age: a birth certificate as well as proof of your address. Once the process is complete, your child will be assigned to a Kindergarten classroom.

What Choices do we Have for Kindergarten Programs?

All Chinook's Edge Kindergarten programs operate in accordance with the Alberta Education guideline of 475 hours of attendance time within the school year. Due to the fact that Chinook's Edge is rural school division where many children are bussed and parents may need to commute to their workplace, the most common program offering is all day, alternate day (Eg. Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday). Some schools offer 1/2 day every day programs and some are on the year-round calendar. French Immersion programs have been introduced in several communities. In addition, Koinonia Christian School in Chinook's Edge offers a faith-based alternative for Kindergarten through Grade 12 students.

Where can I get More Information?

Busing: Check the transportation section on this website.

Special Needs: Check out the Student Services section of this website

French Immersion - click here for more information

Alberta Education information for parents: www.education.gov.ab.ca/early/