PRE-KINDERGARTEN
Wolf Creek Public Schools offers early learning programming for children ages 3 and 4 years. All children are welcome as we have programs for children to learn together in an inclusive setting.
Our pre-kindergarten programs focused on purposeful play, are designed to increase communication, socialization and learning readiness for successful entry into Kindergarten. Application to the program is completed online. Each spring, community spring intake events are held in your local community. Families that apply after these events are held, will still be contacted by the program staff.
Is Bright Futures Play Academy the right fit for my child?
We want your child to have strong foundations for success as they plan to be ready for kindergarten. We know that child’s development during the early years profoundly affects their learning behaviour as well as the physical and emotional health in school.
Our programs are delivered in a classroom setting with small, manageable class sizes allowing the learning team to address the unique needs of a child. Our programs focus on learning through play where children interact, explore and develop literacy through purposeful exposure to the world around them.
What's Unique About Bright Futures Play Academy?
The language-rich program of Bright Futures Play Academy, taught by certified classroom teachers and supported by educational assistants, registered speech-language pathologists and other professionals, helps students develop intellectually, physically, emotionally and socially.
Bright Futures Play Academy is designed for three and four year old children who would benefit from early learning opportunities focused on purposeful play in the years prior to kindergarten.
What Should I Know About Registering for Bright Futures Play Academy?
All registrations are handled centrally by Wolf Creek Public Schools.
Children must be 3 years or 4 years old by December 31 of the upcoming school year in order to apply. Applications must be filled out online. Applications and available spots for the current school year end after Christmas while we begin accepting applications for the next school as early as January each year.
Programs can fill quickly and parents may be asked to join a waiting list. An application form does not confirm enrollment and only serves as an indication of interest.
Our programs include:
- Certified teachers
- Half-day programming (am or pm) 2 mornings or 2 afternoons a week
- Learning through purposeful play
- Literacy rich environment
- Family Oriented Programming
- Small class settings with rich play-based learning opportunities
- Multi-Disciplinary Services that include supports from school division learning services, community partners, professionals and para-professionals, providing supports such as a Speech Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Contracted Psychology.
- Individual Support Plans developed in collaboration with parents as required.
Who We Are:
Wolf Creek Public Schools operates in Central Alberta and provides 3 and 4 year old pre-kindergarten programs through their own Bright Futures Play Academy program for students in a variety of community schools.
Our Program Allows For Children To:
- Enhance communication skills
- Develop social and emotional skills
- Develop fine and gross motor skills
- Foster creative and cognitive development through a variety of firsthand experiences
- Develop greater independence and problem solving skills
- Foster a sense of belonging and well being
WHY ATTEND THIS PROGRAM?
Children served by early years programming at Bright Futures Play Academy will have the opportunity: to acquire, create, connect, and communicate through experiential learning and purposeful, balanced play, focused on experiencing multiple literacies through rich inclusive learning environments.
These programs are designed for both children with a variety of skills and needs. Regular early entrance students are accepted as well as children with specific needs.
When considering a program for your age 3 or 4 child, reflect on these questions:
- Does my child have a limited vocabulary? Struggle with expressing thoughts? Have difficulty understanding?
- Would my child benefit from positive interaction with others?
- Is the primary language spoken at home something other than English?
- Does my child appear to have advanced literacy skills?
- Do I want my child to have an opportunity to learn with other children in a stimulating learning environment that prepares them for kindergarten?
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you should explore registration in the Bright Futures Play Academy.
“If we wait to intervene until children are in school or even adults, we miss out on the most promising opportunities to create better outcomes for our children. This means that investing wisely in those first five years of life will yield a wide range of dividends for our collective benefit.”
(Alberta Health and Wellness, Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health © 2011 Government of Alberta Let’s Talk About the Early Years)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When can I apply?
A: Applications are accepted all throughout the year, however applications for current year programs that end in June are often no longer taken past January as programs often fill quickly. Applications for the fall time frame start in January and continue being received throughout the spring. However, the decisions on registrations are generally made shortly after the online application is submitted, so early applications are encouraged. Programs are filling fast. Contact us soon!
Q: How old must my child be to attend Bright Futures Play Academy?
A: Children who are either three or four years of age by December 31st. Children need to be potty trained as well prior to starting.
Q: Is transportation provided or accessible?
A: Parents are responsible for arranging to transport their child to and from each program location for Bright Futures Play Academy.
Q: Can I attend a program anywhere in the Wolf Creek Public School district?
A: Yes, Bright Futures Play Academy does not have catchment areas for our programming. This allows families to choose Pre-Kindergarten programming at any of our seven locations within the district.
Please note that catchment areas for Wolf Creek Public Schools begin with Kindergarten.
Q: Is there a fee for Bright Futures Academy?
A: All children are welcome in Bright Futures Play Academy. We try to determine if there are any specific needs at a spring intake event for new families. The intake event will provide an early indication if there are any specific learning needs for your child. Following that event, a decision will be made around fees. For children who are typically developing, there are limited community placements. Details about fees are available on our PROGRAM FEES PAGE.
Q: Is there a program calendar for Bright Futures Play Academy available?
A: Yes, depending on which school location and program your child is enrolled in, the calendar will vary.
Q: Why should I consider Bright Futures Play Academy for my child?
A: See the video linked below for an overview of why our program is important and how it can assist your child.