Prekindergarten

Font Size: A+ A- Reset

Policy

Saskatchewan Learning works in partnership with boards of education and community groups to promote and support the development and continuous improvement of Prekindergarten educational programming for children who are at risk of failure in school. (Saskatchewan Learning 2004)

Rationale

Prekindergarten early intervention and prevention programming has proven to have both short and long-term benefits in the lives of children who are at risk of failure in school. The short–term benefits include increased readiness to learn, improved cognitive functioning, increased social skills, improved health and higher self-esteem, all contributing to greater success in schools. The long-term benefits include lower rates of juvenile crime, fewer teen pregnancies, fewer failed grades and school drop-outs, and fewer referrals to special education services. Research has revealed that early intervention saves in remedial education, welfare and losses to crime later in life. Prekindergarten represents a solid investment in children’s development and helps to avoid the need for later costly interventions.

Age of Entry

Children must have reached their third birthday prior to admission. Three and four-year old children are eligible to attend the Prekindergarten Program. It is recommended that an equal balance of three-and-four-year old children be maintained and that children with the greatest need be provided with the opportunity to attend for two years. The date of birth for eligibility will follow school division guidelines.

Student Selection - Class Size - Child/Staff Ratio

The objective is to ensure that children with the greatest needs are served.

Regina Catholic School Division has a policy/selection criterion for students.
The child/staff ratio is eight children to one staff member, bringing the total half-day enrollment to 16 children with a teacher and educational assistant.
Students must live within the designated school boundary.
Parent involvement is essential to the success of the program.

Transportation

Transportation of children to and from school is the responsibility of the parents/guardians. A signed information sheet indicating who will drop off and pick up the child is required.

Prekindergarten at a Glance

The goal of the Prekindergarten Program is to create the ideal learning environment. Prekindergarten programming incorporates what is known from the literature and practice about the early childhood education and the needs of vulnerable children with the strength of the Saskatchewan Kindergarten curriculum.

Prekindergarten is:

A developmentally appropriate educational program, based on "Play and Exploration", the Early Learning Program Guide
active, experimental learning through play;
comprehensive, integrated program within a prepared environment;
child-centered, self-directed, choice;
focused on development of whole child – physical, social, emotional, spiritual and intellectual;
meaningful family involvement;
active parent/community council, community partnerships and shared ownership;
integrated health, social services and educational supports;
culturally affirming for all;
mixed age groupings;
professional teaching staff with a focus in early childhood education.

LOCATIONS (To locate a Catholic school near you click here)

Deshaye Catholic-37 Cameron Cres S4S 2X1 306-791-7270

Sacred Heart-1325 Argyle St. S4T 2Z8 306-791-7290

St. Augustine-2343 Edgar St S4N 3L2 306-791-7310

St. Catherine -150 Brotherton Ave S4N 0J7 306-791-7325

St. Francis -45 Mikkelson Dr S4T 6B7 306-791-7335

St. Gregory -302 Upland Dr S4R 5X3 306-791-7340

St. Jerome -770 Rink Ave S4X 1V8 306-791-7345

St. Joan of Arc -10 Dempsey Ave S4T 7H9 306-791-7350

École St. Mary -140 N. McIntosh St. S4R 4Z9 306-791-7365

St. Raphael - 155 Hamilton St. S4R 2A3 306-791-7373

St. Theresa -2707-7th Ave. E. S4N 5E8 306-791-7390

St. Timothy -280 Sangster Blvd S4N 7H5 306-791-7395

Early Learning Intensive Support Program

The Early Learning Intensive Support Program (ELIS) helps three and four-year-old children with developmental delays who need extra support to reach their potential. While a medical diagnosis is not required to qualify for ELIS, many are in the process of formal assessment. Spaces in the ELIS Program are limited. Factors including the child's age and other services available may influence the selection process. While both three and four-year-olds can attend, priority is given to four-year-olds, especially those not already receiving intensive support in another early learning program.

All Prekindergarten programs within Regina Catholic Schools offer ELIS. This provides opportunities for children to engage in inclusive learning alongside their peers. Support is provided through a team-based approach, focusing on each child’s unique needs and strengths to help them participate and learn.

To apply for the Early Learning Intensive Support Program, please click and fill out the application form below and email it to studentservices@rcsd.ca.

RCSD ELIS Application Form

Please call Student Services at (306)791-7200 for more information.

Please see the Ministry of Education ELIS Brochure for additional information for families: Ministry of Education ELIS brochure.