Your child's first school experiences comes with many questions, read below for some common questions and answers.
At what age do children begin kindergarten?
Kindergarten is a two-year bilingual program consisting of 50% English instruction and 50% French instruction. It is available to any child turning 4 years old on or before December 31. Therefore if your child will be 4 years old by December 31st, 2024, they are eligible to start Kindergarten in September. Register here.
Once enrolled, when do I find out my child's class placement (educator team)?
Class placement is shared with families close to the start of the school year in September. Prior to your child's first day of school, you will receive an email indicating who your child’s educators will be. You will also receive a welcome to kindergarten package, an intake form and the contact information for your child's educator team.
Is there a chance for families and students able to meet with their child's educator team for introductions and to answer any outstanding questions?
Yes. Families have the opportunity to meet the kindergarten educators during our Spring open house. Closer to the start of the school year, your child's educator team will reach out with class information and you can reach out with any questions you have.
When do students eat?
Kindergarten students have access to an open snack table during the first or both indoor play blocks. This allows them to take a break and eat when they feel hungry throughout the day. They have two whole group nutrition breaks at 11:20 and 2:05. These are both twenty minute blocks where the whole class sits down at tables to eat. Children make their own choices as to what they eat from their lunch bags. Educators guide them in taking the time they need to ensure proper hand washing, eating at their own pace and packing up their belongings when they are done. Garbage is sent home with students.
Is there a naptime?
There are no set nap times in kindergarten. However, each day the class engages in a set quiet time (5-10 minutes) where children have the option to lay down and rest, read a book, or play with puzzles. We also have a designated quiet corner of the classroom where students are able to go to self regulate or engage in quiet activities. In our program we also teach yoga, breathing and mindfulness exercises to the students.
How does toileting work?
Each class has a kindergarten sized bathroom with a small sink and toilet for student's to use as needed. Educators are available to assist students if necessary. As we prioritize independence in the program, we work with and support students to meet their needs independently. If your child is not toilet trained upon entering kindergarten, their educator team will meet your child where their skills are at and work with you to support them in becoming toilet trained. Please inform your educator team if your child is not toilet trained or requires assistance in the bathroom.