Preschool Registration 101
Step 1- Decide If Your Child Is Ready
As winter draws to a close, it is time to explore your options for fall preschool registration. The very first thing to do is to consider if your child is ready for preschool. There is not a specific age that determines if your child is ready, but there are some questions you can consider to assess your child’s readiness. Preschool is not mandatory in Alberta, but a quality preschool program can set your child on a path to a lifelong love of learning.
Step 2- Explore Your Options
You have many options for high-quality preschool programs in Calgary. From weekly programs at your community centre and full-time preschool-style daycare to the advanced preschool philosophies of a Montessori or a Waldorf school, you can select the program that suits your child’s development and learning style. Here are some helpful guidelines to help you choose the most ideal preschool program to set your child up for educational success.
Step 3- Book A Preschool Visit
Most programs will welcome you to book a school tour with your child as you explore your options for preschool registration. Make sure you optimize your time during the school tour by preparing a list of questions that can help you determine if this program is right for your child.
If you are considering Grey Matter Montessori,
you are welcome to explore our campus with this virtual tour.
Step 4- Choose The Ideal Program For Your Preschooler
By now you should have all the insight you need to make the most informed decision for your little one. Of course, we are biased, but we are passionate about the benefits of a Montessori preschool program. If you have decided that our authentic Montessori program is perfect for your preschooler, we are ready to welcome your child and support them through the early years of their educational journey. Here is the information we will need to process your preschool registration:
- Your child’s Alberta Health Care number
- A void cheque for pre authorized monthly debit tuition payments
- Two emergency contacts (other than parents/guardians). Please provide full names, addresses, and phone numbers. Your emergency contacts can reside outside of Calgary.
- Contact information for any adults (other than parents/guardians) that may pick up your child from school (grandparents, aunts, uncles, nannies, caregivers, older siblings, etc.). Please provide full names, addresses, and phone numbers for the authorized pick-up.
Upon registration, you will receive a comprehensive enrollment package. Feel free to call us or contact us anytime with further questions.
Step 5- Prepare Your Child
Your child is now officially registered in the Grey Matter Montessori preschool program. September may seem far away, but there are many things you can do now to prepare your child (and yourself) for their upcoming preschool adventure. Read How To Prepare Your Child For Montessori Preschool and learn more about the benefits of a Montessori Education.
Step Into Montessori. Preschool Registration Is Now Open!
Your little one is growing up fast and will soon be ready to take the first steps in their school journey. Make sure you find the right preschool program to guide them and plan for early preschool registration to secure your spot.
If you are interested in learning more about your options for preschool programs and the benefits of a Montessori school, or for more information on Grey Matter Montessori preschool registration, contact us to book a time for a school tour at our NW Calgary location. We are accessible just off of Symons Valley Parkway in the NW community of Evanston. Call us for more info on our Calgary Montessori preschool programming at 587-707-4739.
FAQ
Q: How do I choose the best preschool for my child?
A: The good thing about exploring your options for preschool in Calgary is that you have so many choices. And the bad thing about exploring your options for preschool in Calgary is that… you have so many choices! Choosing a preschool that aligns with your values, your child’s unique needs, and the goals you have for your child’s first school years will give your little one the best opportunity to find success and happiness in a learning environment. Here are some tips on Choosing The Best Preschool For Your Child.
Q: Is a Montessori kindergarten program better than a traditional program?
A: Because kindergarten can be a foundational year and establish your child’s perception of school and learning, it is important to do your research and find the right program for your little one. To learn more, read Montessori Kindergarten vs Traditional Kindergarten: Which Is The Right Choice For My Child?. Call us to learn more about kindergarten registration.
Q: Is Montessori the best preschool program for my child?
A: A common saying is ‘Montessori is right for every child, but not every family is right for Montessori’. Montessori education is a flexible, adaptable style of teaching and learning that is beneficial for all children. The caveat is that there are certain foundations and principles that guide a Montessori approach to learning that must be incorporated into other aspects of the child’s life by their caregivers. Principles such as:
- Child-lead independent learning
- Calm over chaos
- Cleanliness and tidiness
- Experiential learning
- Promoting individuality
- The freedom to explore
We believe that a Montessori Program is one of the best preschool programs to raise your child into a socially and academically well-rounded individual.