Children can get a head start on their learning through our Junior Kindergarten program. Junior Kindergarten is an optional fee-for-service 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.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Junior Kindergarten Program

What is the goal of Junior Kindergarten?

The goal of Junior Kindergarten is to assist children in the development of friendship skills and provide opportunities to demonstrate caring and contributions to others. Other goals include:                    

🖍 Promote strong social skills                                                                                                                            

🖍 Encourage self-sufficiency and problem solving skills                                                                                                

🖍 Empower children to explore and develop creativity                                                                                                  

🖍 Build fine and gross motor skills                                                                                                                                        

 🖍 Provide exposure to literacy, numeracy, science and art                                                                                               

 🖍 Help children learn direction following and good listening skills

A Day in Junior Kindergarten

🖍 Sensory Play 

🖍 Social Play “Learn to make a friend”

🖍 Literacy & Numeracy Exploration

🖍 Dramatic Play 

🖍 Outdoor & Physical Play

🖍 Build & Create

Who can attend Junior Kindergarten?

 Our Junior Kindergarten programs are designed for:

🖍 All children who will be turning 4 by to December 31, 2025. 

🖍 Children who will be turning 3 by December 31, 2025 and who have been assessed with developmental delays/disabilities which qualify for early intervention programming as outlined by Alberta Education. (PUF)

🖍  3 year old children who do not qualify for early intervention programming are welcomed at many of our locations, depending on space availability.  Please check with your preferred school if you are interested in this option.

Are there any requirements my child must meet to be enrolled in Junior Kindergarten?

Children entering Junior Kindergarten are expected to be toilet trained, unless they qualify for early intervention  funding through Alberta Education.

Is there a  cost for my child to attend?

Program fees are $150 per month per child. 

How can I pay for my child's schooling?

Fees will be collected either through post dated cheques or a Pre-Authorized Debit plan.  Watch for more information to follow.  

Who do I make cheques payable to?

Cheques can be made payable to Prairie Rose Public Schools.

Can fees be waived?

Fees may be waived if your child qualifies for Early Intervention programing through Alberta Education. Parents will be informed early December of qualification, at this time, fees already paid will be reimbursed.

How do I know if my child qualifies for Early Intervention Programming?

Students will be assessed by Prairie Rose Public Schools staff. Upon completion of assessment, parents will be contacted to discuss any developmental delays as outlined by Alberta Education.  Click here for more information on Early Intervention

Who is responsible for transporting the student to school?

Travel arrangements to and from school are the responsibility of the parents (or designate). Students with older siblings who qualify for bus transportation may be eligible for a portion of their transportation. Please contact the Prairie Rose Transportation Department at 403-527-5516 ext: 2303 to inquire.

What do I do if someone else must pick my child up from school for me?

Please inform the school if you are unable to pick up your child and let them know who will be picking up your child.

What if my child gets sick at school?

When a staff member knows or has reason to believe that a child is ill, the parent will be called and asked to take the child home immediately. If the parent cannot be reached, the emergency contact person will be contacted.

A sick child is defined as a child who is unable to participate in the program because he/she is:

  • Vomiting, feverish, diarrhea or has a new unexplained rash or cough
  • Requires greater attention than can be provided without compromising the care of other children in the program
  • Displays any other illness or symptoms that a staff member knows or believes may indicate the child poses a health risk. 

The child should not return to the program until the staff member is satisfied the child no longer poses a health risk to other children or staff. A parent may provide a physician's note, or can report that the child has been symptom free for a period of not less than 24 hours. 

What if my child has been accessing support services outside of Prairie Rose Public Schools?

With parent approval, Prairie Rose Public Schools will contact the outside service provider to share information to ensure the best care for your child.

Is there a specific curriculum Junior Kindergarten follows? 

Junior Kindergarten follows the Flight - Alberta's Early Learning and Care Curriculum Framework.

What is Flight - Early Learning and Care Curriculum?

Flight is a curriculum framework intended to guide the significant work of early learning and child care educators with young children (ages 0 – before 6 years) and their families in centre-based child care and family day home settings. This is a flexible framework for thinking about how children learn and experience their worlds, as well as a guide that fosters strong early childhood communities.

For more information on The Flight Curriculum you can check out https://www.flightframework.ca/