Registering for the Dalhousie Community Kindergarten is a straightforward process. The information below outlines eligibility, program details, key dates, fees, and how to register.
Program Overview
Dalhousie Community Kindergarten offers a half-day kindergarten program:
- Morning class: 8:30 – 11:30
- Afternoon class: 12:30 – 3:30
- Classes run Monday to Friday
An afternoon class is offered based on enrollment numbers. Children attend five half-days per week in a structured classroom environment.
Eligibility
- Kindergarten: Children who turn 5 years old by December 31 and are not yet 6 years old on September 1
- Junior Kindergarten: Children who are at least 4 years old by September and will not turn 5 until after December 31, subject to teacher approval
Note: Children who are 6 years old by September 1 are typically required to register for Grade 1.
Kindergarten-aged children may attend:
- As a funded student through Alberta Education (one year), or
- As a tuition student if they are not eligible for funding or if families choose to delay their funded year
Children who turn 5 between September and December may choose when to use their funded kindergarten year.
Key Dates
- October 15: Registration opens for all kindergarten-aged students, including PUF applications
- Mid-December: Deadline for PUF applications to be included in the draw
- Late January: Junior Kindergarten registration begins
- May: Orientation sessions for new families (dates confirmed closer to the school year)
A limited number of priority spaces are held for alumni and current preschool families until mid-January. Any unfilled spaces are then released to the general registration list.
Fees (more details here)
- Funded Kindergarten: No tuition fee (covered by Alberta Education for one year)
- Tuition Students: $400 per month
Additional fees:
- Registration Fee: $225 (required to secure your space; covers registration and classroom materials)
- Volunteer Deposit: $100 (returned after completion of volunteer commitments)
Additional small fees may be collected during the year for optional enrichment activities such as field trips or special programs.
Alternate payment arrangements are available upon request. Financial considerations should not prevent participation.
How to Register
- Complete the online registration form starting October 15
- Submit your form to secure your place in line (based on submission time)
- If offered a spot, submit your $225 registration fee within 24 hours to confirm
If more registrations are received than available spaces, a waitlist will be maintained.
Payment can be made by e-transfer or cheque. Further details will be provided upon acceptance.
PUF (Program Unit Funding)
Dalhousie Community Kindergarten welcomes children who receive Program Unit Funding (PUF).
- A limited number of PUF spaces are available in each class
- Applications open October 15
- Applications received before mid-December are entered into a draw
- Applications received after this date are placed on a waitlist
Placement is based on space availability and ensuring the program is a good fit for the child. Families will be contacted as part of the assessment and placement process.
Additional Notes
- Registration is first come, first served, except for PUF applications
- Kindergarten funding is provided by Alberta Education for one year only
- It is recommended that children have up-to-date immunizations prior to entry
- A limited number of spaces are available each year
- If you are looking for a preschool option, consider the Dalhousie Community Preschool located next door to our classroom. Learn more here.
- Out-of-school care for kindergarten-aged students is available through a separate, on-site program. Learn more here.