Early Learning
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PRE-KINDERGARTEN
at Red Deer Public Schools
The Pre-Kindergarten application form for the 2024-2025 school year is now available. Applying for the program is a two-step process where the first step is to pay a $30 application fee for NEW applications only (NOT for students returning for a second year), and the second step is to complete the 2024-2025 Pre-K application form (for all children). You will first need to create a Guest Account in our Rycor financial program to make your payment by credit card, or VISA/Mastercard Debit. Click This Link for instructions on how to create the Guest Account in Rycor. Once you have created your account choose the Link for the Pre-K Application form. If you already have a Rycor account set up please complete the Google Pre-K Application form HERE to proceed with the application process. **Please Note: If you require an alternative method of payment or have questions in regard to the $30 application fee, please call 403-342-3703.
The Pre-Kindergarten early learning programs at Red Deer Public Schools offer inclusive programming designed to increase communication, socialization and foster a love of school for children of all needs and abilities. Our classrooms provide welcoming, play-based learning environments that value the importance of family and allow young children to:
stimulate curiosity, foster creativity and encourage critical thinking
enhance communication, social, and emotional skills
develop gross and fine motor skills
develop greater independence and problem solving skills
foster a sense of belonging and well being
All early learning classrooms feature:
programming by a certified teacher
emergent curriculum
small class settings with low child to adult ratio
literacy rich environments
learning through play
Individual Support Plans (ISPs) which are developed in collaboration with parents as required
additional support through contracted services that may include Speech Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, and Psychologist. Enhanced services for Blind and Visually Impaired (BVI), and Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH)
Three Year Old Programming
Programming is available for three year old children born between January 1 and December 31, 2021 who have met criteria for Early Intervention Support. Funding from Alberta Education (Program Unit Funding/PUF) is provided for children whose learning is impacted as a result of identified severe or moderate delays based on documentation provided by a licensed professional.
Criteria to qualify may include:
severe delay diagnosed by a qualified professional in at least one of the following areas of language development: receptive, expressive, severe communication delay
severe physical impediments to normal development and learning. (i.e., deafness, blindness)
medical diagnosis provided by a qualified professional (ie: down syndrome, autism)
Our play-based intervention classrooms for three year old children are overseen by a Certified Teacher and an Early Childhood Educator. These programs run in the mornings only for 2 hours and 30 minutes, Tuesday through Thursday.
Three year old programs are currently located at:
G.W. Smith Elementary School (maximum 8 spots)
Joseph Welsh Elementary School (maximum 8 spots)
Community Partner Programs
Four Year Old Program
We accept applications for all children born between January 1 and December 1, 2020. Funding from Alberta Education (Program Unit Funding/PUF) is provided for children whose learning is impacted as a result of identified severe, moderate, or mild delays based on documentation provided by a licensed professional. Children with no identified delays may also be considered for the four year old program at a cost of $200 per month.
Four year old programing runs for 2 hours and 30 minutes per day, Monday through Thursday.
Four year old early learning classrooms are currently located at:
G. W. Smith Elementary School (AM or PM)
Joseph Welsh Elementary School (AM or PM)
Mountview Elementary School (AM only)
Normandeau School (AM or PM)
West Park Elementary School (AM or PM)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When can I apply for Pre-Kindergarten?
A: Applications are accepted beginning on Janury 15th for children to attend beginning in September of the following school year.
Q: How old must my child be to attend Pre-Kindergarten?
A: Three year old programming serves children who are three years of age by December 31st and have identified severe or moderate developmental delays. Four year old programming serves children who are four years of age by December 31st.
Q: Is there a fee for Pre-Kindergarten?
A: If your child is identified as having mild, moderate or severe delays and qualifies for for funding through Alberta Education, there is no program fee.
Q: Can my child attend Pre-Kindergarten if they don't have any delays?
A: Four year old children without learning delays may be considered for the program at a cost of $200 per month.
Q: Will my child qualify for the Alberta Child Care Subsidy?
A: Only children enrolled in a licensed preschool program can qualify for the Child Care subsidy. Red Deer Public schools are not licensed therfore the subsidy would not apply.
Q: Will my child be eligible for transportation?
A: No, Pre-Kindegarten age children are too young to ride the school bus. Families are responsible for getting their child to and from the school.
