Starting school is an exciting time, for both children and parents. Although exciting, it can also be daunting if you don’t have the information you need. To help, Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) has put together an online toolkit to make the transition as smooth as possible. 

Eligibility 
Registration
Kindergarten Calendars
Find My Designated School
Kindergarten Information Nights 
Programming 
Fees
Student Transportation
How to prepare
Ways to be involved 

When Can My Child Start Kindergarten?

To register for kindergarten in the 2020-21 school year, your child must be five years old on or before Dec. 31, 2020. 

Programming

EIPS kindergarten classrooms provide literacy-rich, play-based programming and are staffed by dedicated, early childhood teachers and qualified educational assistants.

All EIPS schools offer one kindergarten option; alternating full-day programming. Children attend two full-days a week, and occasionally, three days a week, to meet the required 475 instructional hours. During registration, families have the opportunity to indicate their preferred schedule for the coming school year. Parents are reminded their preferred schedule choices are not guaranteed. The determination of which schools offer each schedule, or if a school is able to offer both, is based on enrolment and won't be made until after registration is complete. 

In addition, all early learners have access to an enhanced supports team, which consists of speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, educational assistants, consultants and specialists.

Second-Language Programs
To build skills for an increasingly global world, EIPS offers two second-language programs, which start in kindergarten:

• French Immersion
• Ukrainian Bilingual

Language and Culture Programs
Effective the 2019-20 school year, a German language and culture program* has been put in place at Mills Haven Elementary, which starts in kindergarten.

*NOTE: This is not a Division program. Transportation fees will apply for families who choose this program if Mills Haven Elementary isn’t their designated school.

Alternative Programs
EIPS also provides a kindergarten Alternative Christian program at various schools. The program offers students a Christ-centred, biblically directed education, based on the Alberta Program of Studies (K-12).

Student Transportation

Learn more about student transportation services in EIPS and resources available for first-time bus riders.

• Registering for busing services;
• Transportation fees;
• Paying fees online;
• Little Elk Island Adventure for first-time bus riders;
• EIPS school bus facts; and
• Frequently asked questions. 

If you have questions about busing, you can also contact EIPS Student Transportation directly.

How to Prepare

If you have a child starting kindergarten in the near future, check out these helpful resources:

• Kindergarten FAQ 
• What to expect in kindergarten 
• How to prepare for kindergarten 
• Learnalberta.ca
• Book an eye assessment/exam before your child starts kindergarten to diagnose any vision or eye-health problems:
  • Parent Brochure (En)
  • Parent Brochure (Fr)

Parent Involvement

Parent involvement is a key component in the success of a child's education. If you are a parent or guardian of an EIPS kindergarten child, there are many ways you can get involved in your school community, such as joining the School Council at your school, volunteering at your child’s school and by staying in touch with your child’s teacher.