Pre-Kindergarten

All children - PUF and Independent Learners

Please click here to complete a pre-k inquiry form.

GSACRD offers a variety of pre-kindergarten programs, and all early learners are welcome!

• Supported Learners -  Alberta Education provides Program Unit Funding (PUF) for children between 2.8 and 4.8 years of age who have been identified as needing early learning intervention (born in 2021 or 2022). Information shared on this form will help to determine if your child will qualify for funding. 

• Independent Learners - Children born in 2021 who are in their year before Kindergarten are welcome to join our schools. Please be advised that the school enrolment numbers will determine whether a morning or afternoon class will be offered. Fees of $150.00 per month apply.

Once you have completed this form, the Early Learning Coordinator will contact you to learn more about your child.

If you have any questions about our pre-kindergarten programs, don't hesitate to contact our Early Learning Office at 780-459-7711 ext. 114 or prekinfo@gsacrd.ab.ca.

Schools offering Pre-K programs 

GSACRD Pre-Kindergarten Programs Offered in our Schools:

• Bertha Kennedy (St. Albert) - PUF and Independent Learners
• Holy Family Catholic School (St. Albert) - PUF and Independent Learners
• St. Kateri Tekakwitha Academy (Morinville) - PUF and Independent Learners
• Legal School (Legal) - PUF and Independent Learners

Community Pre-Kindergarten Programs Offered in our Schools:

*Please contact Tree House Playschool directly for details. Minimum registration numbers are required.

• Albert Lacombe (St. Albert) - Tree House Playschool 
• École Sacre Coeur (St. Albert) - Tree House Playschool 
• J.J. Nearing Catholic Elementary School (St. Albert)- Tree House Playschool 
• Neil M. Ross (St. Albert) - Tree House Playschool
• École Notre Dame Elementary School (Morinville) - Tree House Playschool 

Is Early Childhood Education for you?

Are you concerned about your child's early learning development? Tracking your child's language milestones is a great way to determine if they may need assessment and get the extra head start before Kindergarten!

What to expect?

By 2 years your child should…

• Use 2 words together like More juice or Mommy eat.
• Say at least 50 words.
• Start using simple word endings like "ing" (eating), plurals (boats), and possessives
(baby’s bottle).
• Understand 2-part sentences like "Go get your coat and bring it to me".

By 2½ years your child should…

• Use words that name objects (ball, shoe), describe (big, hot), and talk about actions (kick, eat).
• Point to many body parts and clothes and point to pictures in a book. 

By 3 years your child should…

• Use at least 3 to 4 words together in sentences or questions.
• Use more of the little words, like is, a, or the.
• Follow 3-part directions, like Go get your coat, bring it to me and wait by the door.

By 4 years your child should…

• Use sentences that are longer and more complete, like I want to go out and play on the swing.
• Use more grammar, like plurals (boats), possessives (daddy’s hat), pronouns (I,
you, me, she, he, we), past tense (walked), and some question words (what, who, where, why). There are still some errors.
• Understand most concept words (colour, shapes, locations, texture, time).
• Speak clearly. Parents and others understand your child all of the time.

When to get help? You should be concerned if your child…

Age 2-3 

• Does not use 2 words together or does not do all of the other things listed at
her age.
• Is not saying many different sounds.
• Avoids eye contact and appears to ignore others.
• Had some words but has “forgotten” them.

Age 3-4

• Is not saying or understanding what is expected for his age.
• Is not using many different words or sentences.
• Is not interacting with you or other children.
• Is not easily understood when talking or gets frustrated.

Resources collected by Talk box : a parent's guide to creating language rich environments. Learn More Today!

Achieving potential through active learning

Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools' Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) program offers learning opportunities in all areas of development. Our programs are instructed by teachers, who assist children of all abilities to become confident learners. 

Further learning supports may include:

• Speech and Language Pathologists
• Speech-Language Assistants
• Occupational Therapists
• Behaviour Consultants
• Physiotherapists
• Educational Assistants

Your child will gain skills through play, inquiry, creativity, problem-solving, and social interaction, as well as early literacy, language, and numeracy activities. 

Please click here to view a listing of all division calendars. 

Learn more here: fill out the inquiry form!

Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools (GSACRD) is excited to announce a strategic partnership with Tree House Playschool, a leading provider of early childhood education currently embedded in Neil M. Ross Catholic School and École Sacré Coeur. This continued collaboration marks a significant step towards enhancing the preschool experience for young learners within the Greater St. Albert community.

Starting in September, Tree House Playschool will open additional preschool program sites in Albert Lacombe Catholic School, J.J. Nearing Catholic School and École Notre Dame School in Morinville, contingent on meeting registration requirements. Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools will continue offering program unit funding (PUF) for preschool students at Bertha Kennedy Catholic School, Holy Family Catholic School and St. Kateri Tekakwitha Academy in Morinville, with several spots also available for independent students.

Jenny Drake, Program Director at Tree House Playschool, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, "We are so pleased to continue our collaboration with Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools by adding three new preschool sites in the fall. Tree House Playschool aims to provide excellence in early learning - a quality, caring preschool experience that keeps students and families connected to their classrooms and communities for years to come. We will continue to learn and grow through this extended partnership."

Tree House Playschool has successfully operated preschool programs within the school communities of École Father Jan, École Saint Marguerite d'Youville and Holy Family in years past. Currently offering preschool classes within the premises of Neil M. Ross Catholic School and École Sacré Coeur, Tree House has earned a reputation for its nurturing, child and family-centric approach to preschool education. In the upcoming academic year, Tree House Playschool is set to expand its presence by opening sites in additional schools within the GSACRD network.

Catherine Giesbrect, Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services with Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools, expresses her excitement about the collaboration, stating, "At GSACRD, we are committed to providing a holistic and enriching educational experience for our students. The partnership with Tree House Playschool aligns seamlessly with our vision, bringing additional resources and expertise to our preschool programs."

This collaboration will enable parents and caregivers in the Greater St. Albert community to access high-quality preschool education within the familiar and trusted environment of GSACRD schools. The partnership aims to create a seamless transition for young learners as they progress through their early education journey.

About Tree House Playschool:

Tree House Playschool is a leading provider of early childhood education dedicated to creating a nurturing and stimulating environment for young learners. With a play-based approach to learning, Tree House Playschool focuses on fostering creativity, curiosity, and a love for lifelong learning.

To register with Tree House, please click here.