Preschool at Niitsitapi Learning Centre
Welcome to Preschool
Niitsitapi Learning Centre serves First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children from Preschool to Grade 2. Our half-day preschool program provides a nurturing, culturally responsive learning environment for children approximately 33 to 54 months of age. Morning and afternoon placements, as well as transportation, are determined based on a child’s home address.
Our preschool program honours Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing while supporting each child's growth through play, exploration, relationships, and meaningful learning experiences. We take a holistic, strength-based approach that nurtures the Spirit, Heart, Body, and Mind of every child.
We are committed to creating a welcoming space where children develop a positive sense of identity, belonging, and connection to community.
What Will My Child Learn?
At Niitsitapi Learning Centre, children learn through play, storytelling, land-based learning, and hands-on experiences. Learning is grounded in Indigenous perspectives and supported by caring educators, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members.
Children have opportunities to:
- Build friendships and develop social skills
- Cooperate, share, and take turns
- Explore new materials, ideas, and experiences
- Express themselves through art, music, movement, storytelling, building, and play
- Develop oral language and communication skills
- Listen to stories, songs, and teachings
- Foster independence and self-confidence
- Care for themselves, others, and the environment
- Develop early literacy and numeracy skills through meaningful play
Throughout the year, children connect with the land through outdoor learning, gardening, nature exploration, and seasonal experiences. Our raised medicine garden, eagle garden, and outdoor learning spaces provide opportunities for children to learn from and with the natural world.
Students also benefit from teachings shared by Elders and Knowledge Keepers, who help deepen connections to culture, language, stories, and traditional knowledge.
A Typical Preschool Day
While schedules may vary, a typical day may include:
- Arrival and greetings
- Healthy breakfast (morning class) or lunch (afternoon class)
- Free play and exploration
- Smudge (optional and family-supported)
- Physical education and movement activities
- Talking circle, songs, and literacy experiences
- Centre-based play and inquiry learning
- Outdoor learning and play
- Healthy snack
- Story time
- Sharing circle and farewell song
- Preparing for home
Each day is designed to balance play, learning, movement, and opportunities to build relationships with peers and adults.
Who Will Work With My Child?
Preschool learners are supported by a caring and collaborative team that may include:
- Early Childhood Practitioners
- Lead Teacher
- Other school-based support staff
- Indigenous education staff
- Community Elders and Knowledge Keepers
Early Childhood Practitioners and other school-based support staff work closely with children throughout the day to support learning, development, relationships, and well-being.
All children benefit from classroom supports designed to meet a variety of learning needs. Families are encouraged to speak with the classroom teacher if they have questions about additional supports or services.
At Niitsitapi Learning Centre, children also have opportunities to learn from community Elders and Knowledge Keepers who share stories, teachings, language, and cultural knowledge throughout the year.
Preschool Hours
Preschool students begin classes later in September than Kindergarten, Grade 1, and Grade 2 students. Please refer to the school calendar for Preschool start-up information and important dates.
Preschool classes operate Monday through Thursday, with no classes on Fridays.
Morning Class
- 8:25 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Afternoon Class
- 12:15 p.m. to 3:05 p.m.
Times may vary slightly from year to year.
Reporting an Absence or Late Arrival
If your child will be absent or arriving late, please call the school and leave a message at 403-817-3404 (Option 1).
If your child arrives late, please check in them in at the office. If you need to pick your child up early, please sign them out through the main office.
What Should My Child Bring?
Please send your child with:
- A backpack large enough to carry notices and personal belongings
- A labelled water bottle
- Indoor running shoes with Velcro fasteners (kept at school)
- A complete change of clothing, including socks and underwear
- Weather-appropriate outdoor clothing
- Pull-ups and wipes if your child is not yet toilet trained
Please clearly label all clothing, shoes, backpacks, and personal items with your child's name.
Food and Nutrition
A healthy breakfast is available for children attending the morning program, and lunch is available for children attending the afternoon program when needed. Healthy snacks are also provided throughout the day.
School Supplies
Families do not need to purchase classroom supplies. Niitsitapi Learning Centre provides all learning materials and classroom resources.
Supporting Your Child's Learning
Families are a child's first and most important teachers. We value strong partnerships with parents, caregivers, and guardians and believe learning is most successful when home and school work together.
You can support your child's learning by:
- Talking about their day
- Reading together regularly
- Encouraging independence with daily routines
- Spending time outdoors and exploring nature
- Celebrating curiosity, creativity, and learning through play
Families can also stay connected to classroom learning through our Preschool classroom blog, which shares photos, stories, and highlights of children's learning experiences throughout the year.
Helpful Links
We Look Forward to Learning Together
At Niitsitapi Learning Centre, we strive to create a joyful and welcoming learning environment where children feel safe, connected, and proud of who they are. We are excited to partner with families as children begin their learning journey with us.