Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten Early Learning Programs

Did you know that the Province of Alberta has a process in place to support children identified with special needs?

Program Unit Funding aka 'PUF' is a grant provided by Alberta Education to school authorities for children diagnosed with severe disabilities. The specialized funds are available to eligible children who are older than two years, eight months of age, and younger than six years on September 1 for up to a total of three years.

Every child enrolled in a GYPSD school is screened when they enter a pre-K or kindergarten program. The Director of Inclusion, division psychologist, occupational therapist and speech language pathologist, collaborates with a certificated teacher who oversees and implements a student-specific program plan. This ensures the child receives instruction, services, and supports in order to meet the individualized program plan (IPP) goals.

Check out our FAQ document on PUF or contact Amy Corser, GYPSD's Director of Inclusion, at 780-225-4311 to ensure your child gets the best start to their learning journey!

Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten Early Learning Programs 2024/25

Time to register your little one to begin their new learning journey into our junior kindergarten or kindergarten programs for September 2024! We currently have limited openings in some programs for the upcoming school year so don’t wait to register so that your child is ensured a spot.

Click here to register at your attendance area school.

GYPSD is proud to offer exemplary early learning programs at all our elementary schools. Our meaningful play-based child-centered approach for our Junior Kindergarten and full-day Kindergarten programs promote social and emotional learning, empathy, language, communication, physical activity, literacy, numeracy, inquiry, and exploration - allowing for individual growth and development of a positive self-image.

At the start of their learning journey with us, our early learners become a welcome and loved member of the GYPSD school community and have all of the supports and services available to students in our elementary schools. Your child has access to

A certified teacher to support programming
Vital opportunities to interact/partner with older students
Large gymnasiums and a variety of equipment to keep physically active
Up-to-date libraries to grow a love of reading
Special presentations, speakers, and other celebrations enjoyed by the elementary school community
Early intervention supports and resources such as speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and our division psychologist

At some of our schools, students also enjoy Forest School which is a time to play and learn about the world through time in nature where educators support children in play, making connections to the land, and investigating the biodiversity that the forest has to offer.

We invite you to contact one of the schools in your community to register your child and learn more about the specialized Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten programs offered - 'Let's Get Ready to Learn'!

To ensure your child's teacher is informed, please complete the following questionnaire and provide it to the school.

Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten Programs

Lobstick Zone

Evansburg - Evansview School (Forest School)
Wildwood - Wildwood School
Niton Junction - Niton Central School

Edson & Area

Fulham - Fulham School
Edson - Ecole Westhaven School English (JK to Gr. 5) French Immersion (K to Gr. 5), Montessori

Edson - Mary Bergeron Elementary School (Kindergarten Program only)

Hinton

Crescent Valley School
Ecole Mountain View School: English (JK to Gr. 6) French Immersion (K to Gr. 6) -Junior Kindergarten/ Kindergarten

Grande Cache

Sheldon Coates School

Jasper

Jasper Elementary English (JK to Gr. 6) French Immersion (K to Gr. 6)

Parent Resources

Junior Kindergarten/ General Early Learning Information

Kindergarten - During their first year of school, our teachers focus on the following learning skills: early literacy and numeracy; citizenship; awareness of the environment and the community; personal and social responsibility; physical coordination and well-being; and creative expression.

We encourage you to visit Alberta Education’s website to learn more about the Kindergarten curriculum.