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FAQs for Parents
Why is kindergarten important?
Kindergarten nurtures children's knowledge and understanding of themselves and their world in a safe, caring, stimulating environment. Children learn best through discovery and play in an environment that is rich in literacy, numeracy, science, social studies, art, music and movement.
What curriculum will be followed?
The current Kindergarten Integrated Curriculum will continue to be used. Using a play-based, child-centred approach children are introduced to the following areas: Early Literacy, Early Numeracy, Social Studies, Science, Health and Physical Development and Creative Development.
In a play-based kindergarten, teachers plan hands-on activities that meet the needs, interests, and abilities of all children. Through touching, manipulating, exploring, and investigating, children develop their imagination, creativity, learn how to solve problems, and work cooperatively.
How will kindergarten be different in schools?
It will be a full-day program. Children will have access to school programs and resources such as physical education, library, music and special educational supports. Kindergarten teachers will be able to interact with primary grade teachers to support the child's transition from kindergarten to grade one. Children will be able to take the school bus to kindergarten.
Will there be as wide a variety of toys, games, and learning centres as there was in community-based kindergartens?
Kindergarten classrooms are now funded by the provincial government and the same materials will be available in the future.
Will school playgrounds have smaller equipment for kindergarten students?
There are several well established kindergartens in Island schools now. The regular elementary equipment works well for these students.
Will school washrooms be adapted for kindergarten students?
Elementary school washrooms work well for kindergarten students in existing school-based programs. If there are exceptions, these situations will be addressed.
Will kindergarten students have the same recess times and will there be additional supervision?
The time for recess is determined by individual schools depending on the number of grades and students in the school. If additional supervision is needed, it is provided.
My younger children brushed their teeth after lunch at their community-based kindergarten; will this be part of the routine in kindergarten in the schools?
This would be a decision of the school your child is attending.
Will every kindergarten student riding on a bus have access to a seat with a child restraint?
In September 2010, most Prince Edward Island school buses transporting elementary students will have child safety restraint seats for children weighing less than 40 pounds. Your school will contact you about how much your child weighs in September. If your child needs a safety seat, you will receive instruction on the use of the seat. You may wish to discuss this with the school during orientation sessions on the school.
How long will the bus ride be?
The length of time spent on the school bus varies depending on where students live and which school they go to. Transportation services are delivered by the school boards. Bus routes are usually determined over the summer months once the boards have final registration numbers. The school boards try very hard to ensure that no child has a bus route longer than one hour. Special consideration is given to younger children.
Will there be someone to help them know what bus to get on and off?
Yes, teachers, school staff and bus drivers are there to help children and to make sure they get on and off the right bus.
If my child is not ready for full-day kindergarten can he or she attend for half a day?
Students must attend for the full day in order to complete the kindergarten program. Parents should keep in mind that it is a play-based curriculum and that there will be active times and quiet times throughout the day. Parents may choose to keep their child home for an additional year if they feel that their child is not ready for kindergarten. The child would then enter kindergarten the following school year. Beginning in September 2010, the entry into school will be kindergarten.
The kindergarten program is a full-day program and children must attend for the full day. You may choose to home school your child or to send your child to the kindergarten program at your school
If I don't think my child is ready for grade 1 after spending a year in kindergarten, can he or she repeat kindergarten?
Kindergarten will be no different than another grade where promotion is decided by teachers, families, and school staff in the best interest of the child.
Will I have to pay any fees when my child enters kindergarten?
Please check with your school. There may be a small fee for some school supplies or you may be asked to purchase these for your child.
What time does kindergarten start and end?
Kindergarten will begin and end at the same time as other grades. Please check with your school.
How old must children be to start kindergarten?
Children must be five years old by December 31 of the year that they enter kindergarten.
How do I register my child for kindergarten?
You may register your child by contacting your local elementary school. If you are not sure which school your child will attend, please call the Eastern School District at 902 368 6990, the Western School Board at 902 888 8400, or the French Language School Board at 902 854 2975.
Can I home school my five-year-old?
Yes, you may home school your child in kindergarten. A home schooling program for kindergarten follows the same regulations and guidelines as any another grade. A child must complete kindergarten before entering grade one.
Where can I get more information on kindergarten?
You can access the Kindergarten Curriculum Handbook for Parents
This information has been taken from www.gov.pe.ca