If the school has a policy for excluded foods due to allergies and/or food sensitivities, the Pre-primary Program will follow the same policy. Please check with the school for these food exclusions.

It is a good idea to pack a full change of clothing for your child, as bathroom accidents and other messy spills are common at this age and outdoor play will be an important part of your child’s day.

The Pre-primary Program is a free program for four-year-olds in the province. The program is offered in the school setting which helps children to transition into Primary the following year.

Based on the experience of other jurisdictions, participation in school-based early learning programs is typically high, reaching children and families who might not otherwise be able to access other early learning and child care programs.
 

ECEs use developmentally appropriate strategies such as setting clear expectations, re-direction, and positive reinforcement to guide children’s behaviour.

ECEs support children to find positive ways to respond to situations. Children learn to make good decisions when clear expectations are set. ECEs model respectful behaviour, help them learn problem-solving skills and teach them social emotional skills.

Children who attend the Pre-primary Program are not subject to the public school Code of Conduct Policy.

There will be two ECEs for a group of 20 children. Where a group is over 20 to a maximum of 24, a third staff will be added.

The Pre-primary Program Lead in your Regional Centre for Education or the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial will begin this process by contacting the elementary school and support team.

There will be meetings with the Pre-primary Program team including community supports and the school team.

Families are at the centre of all discussions relating to their children and will be invited to all meetings and be encouraged to lead the process as much as they wish.

Regular communication between family and ECE is critical in the Pre-primary Program.  In addition, there will be team meetings focussing on the child’s strengths, needs and goals.  

Meetings will happen throughout the year and provide an opportunity for the family and team to discuss how the child is developing and adjust goals based on current strengths, needs, and family wishes.

You are encouraged to speak to your child’s ECEs at anytime throughout the year should you have any questions, concerns or wish to discuss their progress in general.

Two nutritious snacks are provided each day. Children can bring their own lunch or participate in the Nova Scotia Lunch Program.

No. The Pre-primary Program is free to all children and families who meet the eligibility requirements (will be at least four years old by December 31 and live in the catchment area of the school offering the Pre-primary Program).

The Pre-primary Program follows the school year.

• The program will start and end the same as the school day. For start and end times for your child’s school, please contact the school directly.
• The Pre-primary Program is closed during all school in-service days, professional development days, storm days, holidays and over the summer months.
• If the school isn’t open, the Pre-primary Program will not open.

The Pre-primary Program is a child-centered, play based program for children the year before they start school. This opportunity will help them transition into the school system and provide experiences that give children the best start to succeed in school and life.

For further information on the Pre-primary Program, download please see the Pre-primary Fact Sheet.

All materials and equipment are provided by the program.

Children can bring their own lunch or participate in the Nova Scotia Lunch Program.  

Children should bring a pair of indoor shoes and a spare change of clothes is helpful as there is a lot of messy play. Outdoor clothes for all weather is important as the children spend a lot of time outside.

Children must be at least four years of age on or before December 31 of the year they enroll.

Your child will not receive a report card for the Pre-primary Program.

There will be opportunities for you to meet with the ECEs to discuss your child’s development throughout the year.

Part of the Nova Scotia Early Learning Curriculum Framework involves documentation of the children’s play. Upon visiting your child’s learning environment, you are likely to see examples of what the children have been doing displayed.

You are encouraged to speak to your child’s ECEs at anytime throughout the year should you have any questions, concerns or wish to discuss their progress in general.

French immersion is not available in the Pre-primary Program. Early French immersion is a public-school program that begins in Primary.

Families are responsible for arranging before and after care, and any related costs.

Some schools have the Nova Scotia Before and After Program (NSBAP), for further information on that program, families can reach out to their Early Childhood Educators.

For more information on the NSBAP program, please visit the following website: https://www.ednet.ns.ca/bap

Homework is not part of the Nova Scotia Early Learning Curriculum Framework which guides the Pre-primary Program.

There will be opportunities for educators and families to share what activities and learning children are engaged in, and how their interests can be supported in the program and at home.

Each Regional Centre for Education or Conseil scolaire acadien provincial will determine how they will orient and welcome new children and families to the program.  Some may have orientation days in the spring and others may have open houses in September.