Schools in the Foothills School Division will be hosting information nights later this month as registration has now opened for junior kindergarten and kindergarten programs.
To acquaint new families with early learning programs in the division, elementary schools will be hosting a Ready to Learn Information Night on Wednesday, Jan. 29. They offer an opportunity to learn more about the school, its programs and meet the school’s leadership team.
Parents are encouraged to check their local school’s website for event details.
Junior kindergarten is a play-based program that develops social skills, motivation to learn, language and numeracy skills. The additional bonus of junior kindergarten is that students become acquainted with a school and its structures, fostering a readiness to learn as the child enters Kindergarten.
Students who are enrolled in junior kindergarten are a part of the school culture and resources, including assemblies, concerts, library, gymnasium and educational expertise.
Junior kindergarten is offered at select schools in High River, Okotoks, Blackie and DeWinton, and is open to any young learner who turns four by Dec. 31, 2025. Younger learners with a demonstrated need may also be eligible for junior kindergarten.
The kindergarten program develops a child’s readiness to learn, growing upon their skills in literacy and numeracy, science, the arts and more. Students will engage in play-based learning that incorporates several aspects of the curriculum into a single lesson, developing critical-thinking skills and a mind for inquiry.
Learners who are five by Dec. 31, 2025, are eligible to enroll in kindergarten.
Foothills School Division offers kindergarten in every community as well as the following alternative kindergarten programs:
• Full-time French immersion at École Percy Pegler in Okotoks and École Joe Clark in High River
• Part-time Explore: Nature Based Learning at École Percy Pegler
• International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program at Millarville Community School
While part-time kindergarten is offered at every elementary school, full-time programming is available at Big Rock School, Dr. Morris Gibson, Westmount, Spitzee, Heritage Heights, C. Ian McLaren, Red Deer Lake, as well as at École Percy Pegler and École Joe Clark for French immersion.
"Our junior kindergarten and kindergarten programs are designed to ignite a lifelong love of learning in our youngest students,” said Dinah VanDonzel, director of student learning (JK-6) and staff learning for the Foothills School Division.
“We are committed to providing a nurturing and stimulating environment where children can develop essential skills and explore their natural curiosity,” said VanDonzel. “We believe that by investing in early childhood education, we are laying the foundation for future success and academic excellence."
Parents can register their children for either program through an online portal accessible at foothillsschooldivision.ca.
