Program Overview and Key Features
Program Structure as it Relates to Alberta Licensing Regulations
- Preschool Programs are facility-based, meaning that they operate out of locations that are licensed and regulated under Alberta’s Early Learning and Child Care Act and Regulations.
- Preschool programs require certified staff that hold at least ECD level 3, ECD level 2, and ECD level 1. In accordance with Alberta’s Early Learning and Child Care Regulations, at least one staff member should hold a valid first aid certificate and must be on the premises when children are present.
- In preschool programs, positive child guidance approaches are utilized when necessary, and help in supporting children’s emotional, mental, and social development.
- In Alberta, preschool programs are regulated and licensed by Alberta’s Early Learning and Child Care Act and Regulations, meaning that preschool programs are under the ministry of Education and Childcare.
Ratios and Ages That Are Often Involved
- Preschool programs are typically offered to children aged 3 to 5. Ratios in preschool programs are 1:12 and there is no maximum group size.
Typical Hours of Operation and Program Duration
- All preschools are different. Most preschool programs offer 2 to 3 hour care depending on the preschool, during the school year from September to June. Some preschool programs may offer AM or PM schedules. Starting in the morning until lunch and some start in the afternoon. Preschool programs may operate on a 5-day week basis and some preschools operate on varying days of the week. For example; Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays or Tuesdays and Thursdays.
- Whereas Daycares usually function all year, 5 days a week.
Nutritional Requirements
- Preschool programs all follow Alberta’s Early Learning and Child Care Regulations on nutrition requirements, food menu, and safety. In most preschool programs, families provide snacks for children to bring in. It is encouraged for families to bring snacks that follow Canada’s Food Guide, such as whole grain foods, and fruits & vegetables. Examples when choosing healthy snacks include: Apple slices, bananas, berries, carrots, cucumber slices, cut fruit, crackers, granola bars, cheese, yogurt, sandwiches, yogurt parfaits, etc. ECEs can help promote healthy eating by encouraging and helping to provide information and resources for families on Canada’s Food Guide and their child’s eating habits.
- Some preschool programs regardless of location may provide daily snacks for the children on a weekly/monthly rotational basis. This could be added as an extra fee, or could be included in program costs. If a preschool does provide snacks it would be based on the Canada Food Guide and contain at least two food groups.
Typical schedules, routines, transitions; may want to include a sample of activities
- All preschools are unique and follow a schedule structured to the children’s development. Preschool programs follow either an AM or PM schedule or offer options on both. For example, We look at a schedule of a preschool program that follows the PM schedule.
- Around 12:00-12:15 pm is arrival, where the children exchange greetings, change their shoes, put their backpacks away, and ease into transition to start their day.
- From 12:15- 12:30pm is free play, where children take the lead in their learning.
- From 12:30-12:50 pm is circle time.
- From 12:50-1:00 pm is washroom breaks, tidying up, and easing into transition into activities.
- From 1:00-1:30 pm there are table activities, such as puzzles, literacy practice, coloring, shapes, sensory play, etc.
- From 1:30-2:00 pm is gym or outdoor play.
- From 2:00-2:15 pm is snack time.
- From 2:15-2:30 is free play until home time and pick up.
- From this schedule, most preschool programs in Alberta follow the Flight Framework and focus on the image of the child. Throughout the day, children take the lead in their learning. When children know what to expect, they feel safe and secure. They can engage more with other children, their play, and their caregivers. Circle time and table activities can provide opportunities for children to practice communication and literacy skills. Circle time can bring an awareness of community and relationship building. All together, this routine honors Flight’s holistic play based goals for children’s responsive care, development, and learning.
Here is another example of an AM Pre-K program (Courtesy of Ochre Park Pre-k and Elissa Lyttle)
8:40 AM - Arrival (shoes, mailbags)
9:00 AM - Gym Regulation (warm up, skills, breathing activities)
9:15 AM - Bathroom
9:25 AM - Centers
10:00 AM - Circle Time
10:15 AM - Wash hands/Snack
10:50 AM - 11:20 AM - Goodbye song, park
Where is the program typically located?
- Preschool programs are facility-based, meaning that they operate out of locations that are regulated, and licensed under Alberta’s Early Learning and Child Care Act and Regulations. Preschool programs can be found in community centers, public schools, churches, daycares, or facilities specifically designed for preschool children.