Wonder lives in prioritizing purposeful play, movement and exploration.
EARLY LEARNING PROGRAMS
Full day Pre-Junior Kindergarten (age 3), Junior Kindergarten (age 4), and Kindergarten (age 5).
At the heart of each day is rich classroom time, where our experienced and caring educators guide children through hands-on, play-based learning experiences that support key areas of development. This includes early literacy and numeracy, social-emotional learning, and the growth of both fine and gross motor skills.
Students also participate in weekly specialist-led sessions that spark creativity and curiosity across a variety of subjects:
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French language learning for preschoolers
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Music and movement
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Physical education and gross motor development
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Library and early literacy exploration
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Visual arts and creative expression
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Drama and imaginative play
- Outdoor education and nature based play
Little Learners, Big Possibilities
As experts in early childhood education, we believe that a strong foundation begins with purposeful exploration, play, creativity, and meaningful connection. Our early learning programs are carefully balanced to offer engaging academic learning and unstructured play—helping children build confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.
We nurture our youngest learners to actively explore and make sense of the world around them by prioritizing hands-on discovery and inquiry-based education. Our highly qualified early years educators deliver adaptive, play-based experiences that support cognitive, social, and emotional growth—laying the groundwork for a smooth transition to elementary school and beyond.
Preschool FAQ
Hours of Operation
Our full-day programs run Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
For added flexibility, optional before and after care is available from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The school year runs from September to June, with Spring Break camps offered to support families during school holidays.
What are the class sizes?
Our Early Learning classes are intentionally small to ensure each child receives personalized attention, meaningful connection, and responsive care. We maintain an 8:1 student-to-educator ratio in Pre-Junior Kindergarten and Junior Kindergarten, and a 10:1 ratio in Kindergarten.
Does my child need to be toilet trained to attend?
Yes, children must be fully toilet trained before starting in our Early Learning Program.
Is there a nap or rest time?
Yes, Pre-Junior Kindergarten (3 year old) students have a scheduled afternoon nap or quiet time each day.
Do I need to pack food for my child?
Yes, families provide their child’s nut-free lunch and snacks daily. An optional Healthy Hunger lunch program is also available for convenient ordering from local vendors.
How is outdoor time integrated into the day?
Children spend time outside every day, engaging in both structured outdoor learning and unstructured play. Students participate in daily recess and often take learning activities or additional body breaks outside throughout the day. Our natural play spaces and Outdoor Education program help foster a deep connection with nature and support physical, social, and emotional development.
Is there a uniform?
Yes, students wear a preschool-specific uniform. You can find full details here: Uniform Guidelines
Childcare Affordability Grants & Subsidies
Childcare Affordability Grant
River Valley School participates in the Alberta Child Care Affordability Grant, designed to help families access quality early learning and childcare at a significantly reduced cost.
Key Updates (Effective April 1, 2025):
- Increased Monthly Savings: Families enrolled in our full-time Pre-JK and Junior Kindergarten (JK) programs will receive enhanced affordability grants, substantially lowering monthly childcare costs.
- Expanded Eligibility: More Alberta families now qualify, making our exceptional early learning programs accessible to a broader range of households.
- Automatic Fee Reduction: Grants are applied automatically for eligible families enrolled full-time (100+ hours per month). No additional paperwork is required.
Important Notice:
River Valley School will offer only full-time Pre-JK and JK programs moving forward. Part-time care options will no longer be available.
Currently, the governments of Alberta and Saskatchewan have not yet finalized an extension of the Canada-Alberta Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CACWELCC) agreement beyond April 1, 2026. If the agreement is not renewed, families at RVS will be required to pay the full tuition rate, currently set at $1,645 per month, from April to June 2026.
River Valley School remains committed to providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality early learning experiences.
View our full Affordability Grant update letter (March 17, 2025)
