The Pre-Kindergarten application form for the 2025-2026 school year is now available.
The Pre-Kindergarten early learning programs at Red Deer Public Schools offer inclusive programming designed to increase communication, socialization and foster a love of school for children of all needs and abilities. Our classrooms provide welcoming, play-based learning environments that value the importance of family and allow young children to:
- stimulate curiosity, foster creativity and encourage critical thinking
- enhance communication, social, and emotional skills
- develop gross and fine motor skills
- develop greater independence and problem solving skills
- foster a sense of belonging and well being
All early learning classrooms feature:
- programming by a certified teacher
- emergent curriculum
- small class settings with low child to adult ratio
- literacy rich environments
- learning through play
- Individual Support Plans (ISPs) which are developed in collaboration with parents as required
- additional support through contracted services that may include Speech Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, and Psychologist. Enhanced services for Blind and Visually Impaired (BVI), and Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH)
Little Learners Pre-K programs are located at:
- G. W. Smith Elementary School (AM only)
- Joseph Welsh Elementary School (AM or PM)
- Mountview Elementary School (AM only)
- Normandeau School (AM or PM)
- West Park Elementary School (AM or PM)
Three Year Old Program
Programming is available for three year old children born between January 1 and December 31, 2022 who have met criteria for early intervention support. Funding from Alberta Education is provided for children whose learning is impacted, based on documentation provided by a licensed professional.
Criteria to qualify may include:
- severe delay diagnosed by a qualified professional in at least one of the following areas of language development: receptive, expressive, severe communication delay
- moderate receptive or expressive language delay
- severe physical impediments to normal development and learning. (i.e., deafness, blindness)
- medical diagnosis provided by a qualified professional (ie: down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy)
- extreme behaviours that may impact the child's learning in the classroom
Our play-based intervention classrooms for three year old children are overseen by a Certified Teacher. Children attend in either the AM or PM, for 2 hours and 45 minutes per day, Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday to start, then Monday to Thursday beginning in December.
Four Year Old Program
We accept applications for all children born between January 1 and December 1, 2021. Funding from Alberta Education is provided for children whose learning is impacted, based on documentation provided by a licensed professional.
Criteria to qualify may include:
- severe delay diagnosed by a qualified professional in at least one of the following areas of language development: receptive, expressive, severe communication delay
- moderate receptive or expressive language delay
- mild speech delay (i.e. articulation)
- severe physical impediments to normal development and learning. (i.e., deafness, blindness)
- medical diagnosis provided by a qualified professional (ie: down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy)
- extreme behaviours that may impact the child's learning in the classroom
Children with no identified delays may also be considered for the four year old program at a cost of $200 per month.
Four year old programming runs for 2 hours and 45 minutes per day, Monday through Thursday.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Applications are accepted beginning on January 13 for children to attend beginning in September of the following school year.
A: Three year old programming serves children who are three years of age by December 31st and have identified severe or moderate developmental delays. Four year old programming serves children who are four years of age by December 31.
A: If your child is identified as having mild, moderate or severe delays and qualifies for funding through Alberta Education, there is no program fee.
A: Four year old children without learning delays may be considered for the program at a cost of $200 per month.
A: Only children enrolled in a licensed preschool program can qualify for the Child Care subsidy. Red Deer Public schools are not licensed therefore the subsidy would not apply.
A: No, Pre-Kindergarten age children are too young to ride the school bus. Families are responsible for getting their child to and from the school.
For inquiries regarding the current year Little Learners Pre-K program please contact the Director of Early Learning at 403-342-3744.