Springhill Preschool Program for Ages 2-5 in the Heart of Edmonton

04/28/2017

Preschool can be of immense value to children. Learning about cooperation, teamwork, respect, resilience and patience are just some of the benefits of early childhood education. Learning in a preschool setting also helps foster an early love of education by recognizing the importance of emotional, social, physical and mental development in program planning.

Are you looking for a great preschool program for your children as young as two years old (no toilet training required), with the flexibility of part time enrolment located in the heart of Edmonton? How about no duty days and an organic snack program provided for your children and an extensive list of field trips, Intellidance®, a science program, kindergarten-readiness programming and a well thought out and flexible day-to-day routine? Add to this, experiences led by our two full-time Jolly Phonics trained staff and Springhill Community Preschool should be on your list to check out.

Springhill is one of Edmonton’s oldest parent-run childcare cooperatives. For more than 40 years we have offered programs based on the “learning through play” philosophy, taught by two fully qualified preschool teachers. They create a happy environment that stimulates a child’s natural curiosity, growth, and development. Springhill operates within Queen Alexandra School and enjoys the additional benefits of a large gymnasium, library and outdoor playground. We are a non-profit, cooperative preschool managed by the elected board consisting of parents of the children enrolled. We are licensed with Alberta Social Services and the City of Edmonton and therefore meet all existing building, health and fire regulations for childcare facilities.

At Springhill, children are provided with a wide range of opportunities to play with many different materials in the company of other children in a safe and secure environment. All of these activities allow Springhill children to grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally – all at a pace and in ways that are suitable for each child. Our activity centres in the classroom include arts and crafts, books and puzzles, music and dress-up costumes, a playhouse, toys and theme activities, and a water and sand table. In our separate gross motor room, Springhill offers obstacle courses, tents and tunnels, a teeter-totter, a mini-trampoline, bikes and balls.

Classes for each age group follow a basic routine, with occasional variations. During classtime, each group will usually have some free play in the classroom’s activity centres, circle time (where the children are introduced to letters, numbers and literature), an organic snack, a fine motor and a gross motor activity, and – weather permitting – some play outdoors.

While the program is well thought out, the activities are not highly structured; children may exercise a degree of choice and may tackle an activity in a way that best suits them. We also have a variety of themes throughout the school year that captures the interest of the children. Past activities have included changing seasons, colours, life-cycles, celebrations around the world, dinosaurs, space and pets. Most months, each class will have a special field trip planned within the Edmonton area that is included in the tuition cost.

Things to consider when considering a preschool:

1. Does the school’s “learning through play” philosophy match yours? Springhill tailors it’s programming to the children’s interest on a weekly basis.
2. Does special programming appeal to your family? Intellidance®, science, 7 field trips are just some of Springhill’s offerings.
3. Do the preschool hours work with your schedule? Classes run 09:15-11:30 am and 1:00-4:00 pm.
4. Would you benefit from the part-time enrolment and flexible start dates that are offered? You can choose how many classes you would like your child to attend.
5. Are you happy with the ratio of trained staff-to-child? Springhill offers small class sizes with a ratio of 1:6 (two year olds); 1:7 (three year olds); 1:8 (four year olds)
6. How important is a healthy snack? Springhill offers a healthy organic and nut-free snack program.
7. Is your child potty-trained? No toilet training required for two year olds. Daytime toilet training for three years and up.
8. How important is a “no duty day” policy to you? No duty days mean parents have a free block of time after they drop off their children at the preschool.
9. What are the school closure dates to be aware of? Springhill follows with the Edmonton Public School Board calendar with the exception of PD days.
10. Do you value an open-door policy? You are always welcome to pop in and see how your child is doing in class.

A few spots remain for the 2017-18 school year! Please contact us for further information. We’d love to answer your questions or set up a personal tour of the facility. Find more information at www.springhillpreschool.com.