It is my child’s 1st day - what do we need? *a healthy snack and a drink in a named box or bag *a change of clothes in case of accidents which are kept in your child's backpack. * a pair of indoor shoes
Can I only start preschool in September? No! If we have space we take on-going registrations throughout the year. Sometimes a child may change their session day, move home etc. Please call the school to check.
Does my child need to be potty trained before school? We encourage children to be independent in the bathroom although we will help with fasteners, hand washing etc. We understand that there may be little 'blips' or accidents and are always ready to help out. If a child has a poop accident we call the parent/guardian/caregiver to come and collect the child - we do not have the washing facilities needed to bathe a child. We do also make allowances for children on the verge of potty training - please contact us beforehand so that we can chat about options.
What should I send for snack? *healthy foods such as a piece of fruit, veggies, crackers & cheese, small sandwich, apple sauce etc (larger pieces of fruit including grapes need to be cut in half) *no peanut butter, yoghurt tubes, candy or nuts of any kind including sesame seeds - these items will be sent home. Please double check items such as granola bars as they often say "may contain tree nuts" even if you think they have no nut element! *all items need to be enclosed in a reusable, named container which your child is able to open. How will I know if school is closed? If school is closed due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances we try to post on our facebook page, Global News TV and we send out an email. If the school buses are not running for Rockyview or Catholic division schools we will NOT be open. Please check the calendar on this website or the school notice board for closures for PD days or holidays. The first day of school is in the week after Labour Day and will always start with a meet and Greet session.
If I have any concerns or questions what do I do? We encourage an ‘open door’ policy at The Learning Place and are happy to talk to you after each session if you have a concern. You can also phone, text or e-mail us and we will get back to you as soon as possible. If we feel that there is a concern or problem we will let you know on a day to day basis either at the end of a session.
Do the children play outside? We go outside to use the Green space and paved areas for both snack time and outdoor activities. We may take the large toys or parachute out with us, practice small ball skills, skip and play with hoops, go on nature walks, listen to story, play in the snow, sing and just have fun! Please make sure that your child has a jacket, gloves, a hat in the cooler weather and is wearing sunscreen and has a hat to provide shade in the warmer weather.We do not have set days or times for being outside.
Do you have Field trips? We take trips in the local area and have visitors including the Fire Officer, Dentist etc.
How many children can attend each session? Our busiest class is usually the Friday Kinder readiness class. We do cap our sessions at 16 but most classes are smaller than this.
Will I get a refund if my child is sick, school is closed or I go on vacation? Unfortunately not.
Someone else is collecting my child - what do I need to do? Let us know the name and telephone number of the person collecting your child at the beginning of the session. Make sure your child knows.
Can I send a treat for my childs birthday? Yes! However do not feel that you have to send something. Many parents will send a cookie, cupcake, candy, pencil or stickers etc. Your child can distribute any treats outside the classroom at the end of the session as the class is leaving . We do not allow anyone to eat their treat before a care giver arrives in case of allergies etc.
Do the staff have child care certificates? Everyone who works at The Learning Place has their Vulnerable Sector check and at least a level 1 Child care certificate. All staff hold First Aid certificates issued through Canada Red Cross. Miss Diane is a qualified teacher with many years of teaching experience both in England and Alberta. She holds the level 3 Childcare supervisor certification, as well as B.Ed and MA.Ed. Miss Bonnie holds the Level 2 Childcare certification.