University Child Care Centre hosts private kindergarten program

The University of Calgary isn’t just home to thousands of post-secondary students; it also offers programs for children just starting out.

The University Child Care Centre Society (UCCCS) offers two half-day kindergarten programs in the West Campus, just across from Alberta Children’s Hospital. The programs, which run five days a week and are overseen by Alberta Education, also incorporate full-time child care and before- and after-school care. 

“Our kindergarten program enrolment is open to everyone,” says UCCCS Executive Director Sharlene Irwin. “These programs reflect curriculum that is delivered in [Calgary Board of Education] classes as well, so you can be assured that your child will be ready for Grade 1.”

Offering class sizes of no more than 17 students, the inquiry- and project-based program provides ample hands-on learning opportunities and one-on-one attention from the teacher. 

“Our quality enhancement programs include virtual music programming and offsite field trips,” says Irwin. “We are also proud to partner with the U of C to provide programs such as gymnastics and swimming on campus. Along with our certified teacher, [who has] an early childhood [education] background, the kindergarten classrooms are also supported by a full-time early childhood educator that will work alongside the teacher and become the lead educator during childcare hours to ensure consistency of care … throughout the day.”

The program also has an on-site resource teacher to co-ordinate delivery of speech-language, occupational and physical therapies. For parents whose children are currently receiving funding, or who think they could benefit from support in the classroom, Irwin says the program’s resource teacher can work with the lead teacher, families, therapists, family doctor and the Child Care Centre to develop and implement individualized program plans and other services. 

In addition to the two half-day kindergarten classes and full-time child-care space that provides before- and after-school care, as well as full-time care on non-instructional days, the program also has an on-site cook to provide the children with a morning snack, a nutritional, balanced lunch, and an afternoon snack. 

The UCCCS kindergarten program is open Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and follows UCalgary’s closure schedule, including statutory holidays and winter break, but it is open during Reading Week and Spring Break. 

For more information, including registration process and monthly fees, email ucccecs@ucalgary.ca or visit the UCCCS website.