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In Early Childhood Services (ECS) programs, young children participate as active learners, build shared set of experiences and develop knowledge, skills and attitudes that prepare them for future learning.

Junior Kindergarten

Junior Kindergarten is a pre-kindergarten program based on child-led and open-ended play. Play is a voluntary, enjoyable activity with no purpose or end goal. Activities like this set the foundation for a child to become a curious and excited learner later in life. Play-based learning helps children to develop social skills, motivation to learn, and language and numeracy skills. Taking initiative, focused attention, and curiosity about the world are all important elements of play-based learning. This program is available to children four years of age as of December 31 of the year the child begins Junior Kindergarten. Children who turn 3 years of age by the end of December of the same school year and have been assessed with a severe delay in their development may be eligible for Early Entrance, allowing for 2 years in JK. 

➡️ 2025-2026 JK Schedule for Junior Kindergarten

➡️ Frequently asked questions about Junior Kindergarten

Kindergarten/Learn and Explore Programming

Kindergarten is part of the ECS program and is intended for children in the year prior to entry into Grade 1. Funding to school divisions for Kindergarten programming is provided as a half-time program. In some Prairie Rose school locations, Kindergarten can be increased to a full-time program through our Learn and Explore Program. Children who are 5 years of age before December 31 the year they begin the program are eligible for Kindergarten and Learn and Explore programs.

➡️ 2025-2026 Kindergarten and Learn and Explore Schedule

➡️ Frequently asked questions about Kindergarten and Learn and Explore

Early Intervention Supports

“Education-based” early intervention is the term used to describe the services and supports that are available to children with developmental delays and disabilities to help address skill deficits that may impact early academic success.

To access “Education-based” early intervention children must:

  • Be a minimum of 2.8 years as of August 31 of that calendar year (turning 3 by December 31) - for a severe delay or disability (PUF)
  • Be a minimum of 3.8 years as of August 31 of that calendar year (turning 4 by December 31) - for a severe delay or disability (Mild/Moderate)
  • Children must be started in programming between September 1 and December 1 of the calendar year.

In PRPS, early intervention programs are typically provided in our Junior Kindergarten or Kindergarten classrooms, although we also support identified students in community daycares and preschools.

Services may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, deaf and hard of hearing assistance and other types of supports based on the needs of the child.

Early Intervention can have a significant impact on a child’s ability to learn new skills and overcome challenges and can increase success in school and life.

➡️ Learn more about early intervention supports in Prairie Rose