Starting Kindergarten in the Halton Catholic District School Board
Parents may register children who will be four years of age by December 31, 2012 in the first year of the two year Kindergarten program. Registration forms are available at schools. Completed applications and appropriate documentation are submitted to the home school beginning at the advance registration in January of the year that the child will be starting the program.
The application must include the following required documents:
- Proof of age
- Roman or Eastern Rite Catholic baptismal certificate. If the child has no Roman/Eastern Rite Catholic baptismal certificate, the child may be admitted if one parent can provide a Roman/Eastern Rite Catholic baptismal certificate. For additional information, please refer to the Board's Operating Policy I-22.
- evidence of completed prescribed program of immunization for diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles, mumps and rubella
For assistance in determining your home school, please contact our Planning Department.
Program Purpose
The purpose of the program is to establish a strong foundation for learning in the early years, and to do so in a safe and caring play-based environment that promotes the physical, social, emotional and cognitive development of all children. (Full-Day Early Learning Kindergarten Program, Ministry of Education, 2010, p.1)
Full-Day and Half-Day Kindergarten Programs
Our Board is in the midst of the Ministry’s roll out of full-day every day Kindergarten and before and after school care. We offer the Kindergarten program in a five day, Monday to Friday format. In the Half-Day program, students attend for either the morning or afternoon session. Families should check with their home school regarding the kind of Kindergarten program offered (full-day or half-day) at the school and whether extended care will be available. Parents may also refer to the list of FD-ELKP sites at the top right of this page.
Looking Forward
Parents may look forward to the following as they anticipate their children’s entry into Kindergarten in September:
- Completing registration at the family's home school
- Checking the Halton Catholic District School Board’s website for further information
- Using Halton Region’s Ready, Set, Go! twelve month calendar for information about everything from children’s health to reading to children
- Completing a Nipissing screening form for the child (found in the Ready, Set, Go! calendar)
- Applying to the four week EvenStart summer program if the child has not had any previous pre-school experience
- Attending a Kindergarten parent orientation evening at the school in May or June
- Receiving notification about the first school visit and entry in September
- Arranging a visit to the school for a child who is particularly anxious about starting school
Ready for School?
Being ready for school means more than having certain academic skills (e.g., counting, ABCs, letter printing …) when starting Kindergarten. It refers to:
- Being in good health; developing independence in daily living skills (e.g., washroom independence)
- Being curious about the world and trying new experiences; interacting cooperatively with other children and responding appropriately to adults
- Coping with small challenges (e.g., spending time away from mom or dad for short periods of time)
- Communicating own needs; speaking clearly about experiences
- Enjoying favourite books, songs, riddles, games
- Participating in early learning experiences (e.g., public library, play dates, etc.)
In Kindergarten, the intent is to partner with families in continuing the process of readying children for learning by supporting their physical, social, emotional development and their communication, language and thinking skills. Appropriate development in these areas has been shown to be important to future achievement in school. (Halton’s Vision for Children, Phase 2 Report, January 2004)
English Language Learners and Starting Kindergarten
English language learners bring rich experiences to our Kindergarten classes. The Halton Catholic District School Board welcomes and values this diversity. Parents are encouraged to continue speaking with their child in their home language. This will give the child a strong foundation in his/her first language and make learning English in the classroom easier. Parents are also encouraged to continue celebrating their family and cultural traditions.
For more information or help with language difficulties, parents may contact the Halton Multicultural Council.
School Visits and Entry
Entry to Kindergarten in September is a gradual process. The process may vary depending on whether the school has Full-Day or Half-Day. For further information about the gradual entry process, please contact your home school.
A Day in Kindergarten
Children and teachers go outside in all kinds of weather – dressing for the weather is important. Unless there is a medical reason, for the safety of children and educators, independence in toileting is required in Kindergarten. This means the child is free of diapers and pull-ups, determines his/her own needs and completes toileting independently.
Transportation
Parent Resources for Starting School
Full-Day Kindergarten - Ontario Government
Kindergarten Program/Curriculum - Ontario Government
Tips for Starting School - People for Education
Supporting English Language Learners and Starting Kindergarten - Ontario Government