Junior Kindergarten
Junior Kindergarten with Foothills School Division is regulated under the Education Act is taught by certificated early childhood educators and runs from September to June. Our programs use the Curriculum Framework for Early Learning and Child Care in Alberta. This framework guides the decisions made by the Early Childhood Educator and includes goals for early learning in the development of daily routines, learning experiences and environments, and interactions with each child and family.
All programs are play-based learning, which is a type of early childhood education 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.
Program Strengths:
- Robust Curriculum - Regulated under the Education Act and provides well-rounded learning opportunities.
- Quality Instruction and Early Childhood Educator Certification - All teachers and educational assistants have the necessary education, training, and knowledge to encourage student development.
- Unique School Opportunities - Housed within an elementary school setting, your child is a part of the larger, flourishing school culture.
- Care and Safety in a School Environment - Ongoing support for your child's mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being.
- Early Intervention Services & Programming - Access to extra educational support for those in need.
- Parental Engagement - Partnerships with you, our parents, to help students flourish.
Registration
Jr. Kindergarten registration is open!
Register now using our online registration portal.
Locations
Junior Kindergarten is offered at:
- École Percy Pegler School, Okotoks
English (3 half days per week, morning or afternoon) - Big Rock School, Okotoks
English (3 half days per week) - École Joe Clark School, High River
English (2 full days or 3 half days per week)
French (2 full days per week) - Spitzee Elementary, High River
English (2 full days/2 half days/multiple options) - Blackie School, Blackie
English (2 full days per week)
Find Your Designated School
Please use the Find a School tool to find your local school.
Student Age Requirement
Children must be four (4) years old as of December 31 of the year the child begins junior kindergarten.
Children who turn three years of age by the end of December of the same school year and have been assessed with severe delays in development may be eligible for two years of Junior Kindergarten programming. Please contact your chosen school for more information.
School Fees
- Two-day/week program: $93/month
- Three-day/week program: $140/month
- Full-day program: $186/month
Classes are subject to a minimum of 12 students and a maximum of 20.
Funding
Program Unit Funding – or “PUF” is education funding available to children in Alberta between 2 years old + 8 months and 4 years old + 8 months. To qualify, a child must have a disability in one or more developmental areas or a severe speech delay. A child that receives this funding will receive an Individualized Learning Plan (known as an ILP), one-on-one support from an Educational Assistant, and weekly speech and/or occupational therapy if required. Families also receive reduced tuition rates.
Transportation
Bussing is not provided for Junior Kindergarten students. Parents are required to provide transportation to and from school.
Questions?
Contact: Dinah VanDonzel, Director of Student Learning (JK-6)
