Early Learning Program

Early Learning Program

Mission and Vision

The Early Learning Program (previously known as Preschool) aims to prepare children who would not otherwise be prepared for Kindergarten. 

Early Learning programming supports children by providing hands-on, play-based, developmentally appropriate activities that allow children to engage with peers. These programs also help children develop social/emotional skills, cognitive skills, physical/motor skills and speech/language skills.

Programs

Westwind will offer two different Early Learning Programs by age group as defined by Alberta Education:

• Children who turn three years old by Dec. 31 of the current school year 
  • This program is for children with severe delays only
• Children who turn four years old by Dec. 31 of the current school year
  • This program is for children with mild/moderate and/or severe needs and includes delays in speech/language, behaviour, or an existing medical or physical diagnosis 

Changes to the Program

In 2020, Alberta Education announced changes to its Pre-Kindergarten funding and program mandate for children three years eight months to five years of age. During the transition period, Westwind has tried to maintain consistency for children and families. However, with increasing student needs and a reduction in funding, our Early Learning Programs (previously known as Preschool) must be adapted. 

Students will now be admitted into the program based on need first, as identified through a screening and assessment process. Needs for four-year-olds can range from mild to moderate to severe.  Community Play Partners (children without identified needs) will then be invited if space and staffing are sufficient to support additional children.  This will be determined from year to year in later September after priority placements have been completed.

Booking a Screening Appointment

If you feel your child has any delays in social/emotional skills, cognitive skills, physical/motor skills and speech/language, please register your child through the NEW STUDENT REGISTRATION link. *Please do not contact Central Office* If you are unsure, we encourage you to register your child so screening can take place. 

You will be notified within two weeks for a screening appointment. If your child requires a full
assessment after the screening, you will be notified by one of the SLP team members for an
assessment time. The SLP will then be able to inform you after the assessment if your child
qualifies for Early Learning Programming.

Based on needs identified through the screening and assessment process, schools will register students into Early Learning Programs. Students who do not qualify will be placed on a waitlist as Community Play Partners (children without identified needs).  

Schools will admit community play partner students to Early Learning Programs based on space and available staffing supports. Individual schools will determine the start date for community play partners.

Fees

Individual schools will collect fees in September. The Early Learning Program is:

• No cost for students with severe needs
  $100 per year for students with mild/moderate needs 
  $1000 per year for Community Play Partners