Junior Kindergarten

Junior Kindergarten with Foothills School Division is regulated under the Education Act, 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.

Why choose Junior Kindergarten at FSD?

• 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, experience, 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 tools and materials for those in need. 
• Parental Engagement - Partnerships with you, our parents, to help students flourish. 

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 (3) 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 (2) years of junior kindergarten programming.  For assessments and to learn how our program will benefit your child, please contact your chosen school. Please contact your chosen school for more information.

Registration

Registration is open!
Register now using our online registration portal.

Junior Kindergarten is offered at the following schools. Please see the fee schedule below for program costs per month, per program offering:

View/Download the 2024-2025 Junior Kindergarten Calendar

• Big Rock School, Okotoks 
  • 3 half days per week, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday
    
    
• École Percy Pegler School, Okotoks
  • 2 full days per week, Monday & Wednesday or Tuesday & Thursday
    
    
• École Joe Clark School, High River
  • 2 or 3 full days per week, Tuesday & Thursday and option of adding Friday
  • 2 or 3 full days per week, Monday & Wednesday and option of adding Friday
    
    
• Heritage Heights School, DeWinton
  • 2 or 3 half days per week, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
  • 2 or 3 full days per week, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
    
    
• Spitzee Elementary, High River 
  • Up to 5 full days per week, Monday to Friday
  • Multiple options available
    
    

School Fees

A one-month deposit is required upon registration. This amount is applied to the June fees. The following fees are due monthly and can be paid via the Edsembli parent portal or in person at the school. Parents may choose to pay the full year tuition, or month-to-month. 

• 3 half-day per week program: $150/month
• 3 full-day per week program: $300/month
• 4 half-day per week program: $200/month
• 4 full-day per week program $400/month
• 5 full-day per week program $500/month
  Classes are subject to a minimum of 12 students and a maximum of 20.

Funding

Schools operate under the Education Act, and as such, are not eligible for the Childcare Subsidy. Because your child will be attending a program within a school, they will have access to a full-size library, gymnasium and other school amenities, education specialists, school events and concerts. Your child will be immersed within the school culture, ready to be a part of the school routine for kindergarten. Under the Education Act, we have access to funding for children who may benefit from additional educational tools and supports. 

Program Unit Funding – or “PUF”–is funding available to children in Alberta between the ages of 2 years and 8 months and 4 years and 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 Program Plan (known as an IPP), support from an Educational Assistant, and speech and/or occupational therapy if required. To learn more, please see Early Intervention. 

Transportation

Parents are responsible for arranging transportation to and from school. Junior Kindergarten students are not eligible for school transportation. 

Questions?

Contact: Dinah VanDonzel, Director of Student Learning (JK-6)