Kindergarten – Frequently Asked Questions

  1. When and where should I register my child for Kindergarten?
  2. My child was born on January 01. Is the cut off date (December 31) flexible or do I have to wait another school year to register him/her for Kindergarten?
  3. What does my child need to know before entering school?
  4. My child has a disability. Is there anything I should know before registering him for Kindergarten?

 

1. When and where should I register my child for Kindergarten?

Registration takes place in the calendar year in which a child becomes four years of age before January 1. The date of registration for English and Early French Immersion is set by the school districts. Parents/caregivers register their child in their neighbourhood school, or the school closest to their place of residence. Once the child is registered for Kindergarten, they are automatically registered for KinderStart sessions for the current school year. Advanced notification of registration dates will occur through district web sites and through the media since they vary from school to school. Contact your school district office for registration dates.

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2. My child was born on January 01. Is the cut off date (December 31) flexible or do I have to wait another school year to register him/her for Kindergarten?

The Schools Act, 1997, legislates that a child must be five years of age on December 31 of the calendar year to register for Kindergarten. Therefore, a child born on January 01 would not register for Kindergarten until the following calendar year.

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3. What does my child need to know before entering school?

Children arrive at Kindergarten at different stages of development and with a multitude of experiences. Teachers organize their classrooms to meet the developing needs of all children. The Kindergarten program is designed to expand children’s learning experiences, extend understandings, shape concepts, acquire basic skills and form positive attitudes toward learning.

Parents who support their children’s learning in the early years through reading, listening, singing, embracing, experiencing new things and promoting independence will have given their child the necessary skills for school.

Should you have any questions or concerns about your child’s development you may wish to discuss these with your child’s Kindergarten teacher or you could resources within the community such as the local public health nurse or family resource centre program.

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4. My child has a disability. Is there anything I should know before registering him for Kindergarten?

Should a parent have a child with a disability entering school and the child already has an ISSP, a transition meeting with members of the school attending should happen prior to registration for Kindergarten. The child may need additional support such as student assistant, itinerant or special education. If the child does not have an ISSP the parent may initiate the process by contacting the school where the child will be registered and begin the collaboration process.

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