Frequently Asked Questions
Programming
What is the preschool's educational philosophy?
At Rio Terrace Community Preschool, we follow the Flight framework.
Flight is Alberta’s Early Learning and Care Framework. It is a guide for early childhood educators in Alberta designed to support children aged 0 to 6 and their families. This flexible framework focuses on how children learn and experience their world, fostering strong early childhood communities and encouraging curiosity, exploration, and creativity.
Rooted in evidence-based practices from approaches such as Reggio Emilia, Te Whāriki and Montessori, Flight weaves together the best of traditional and modern educational methods. Central to the framework is the understanding that play is a powerful, active process through which children make sense of the world around them. For more information, check out Flight Framework.
What is “learning through play?”
Children have an amazing natural curiosity and creativity that drive their learning. Through play, they explore, experiment, and make sense of the world around them. Play isn’t just a fun activity – it’s how children develop essential skills like problem-solving and cooperation. It’s how they practice language, develop emotional resilience, and discover new ideas.
In a preschool setting, play is especially important. Unlike worksheets that focus on individual tasks, play-based learning encourages children to work together, think critically, and build both fine and gross motor skills. It helps them learn to express themselves, cooperate with others, and navigate challenges in a supportive way. Research shows that children who engage in rich, play-filled experiences at this stage tend to thrive later, especially in areas like literacy and math.
We recognize children as mighty learners, and play helps unlock their full potential. While play comes naturally to them, it thrives in the right environment where it’s nurtured and supported. By providing opportunities for creative exploration and meaningful interactions, we help children build the confidence and skills they need to grow and succeed. When they are given the freedom to play, children are empowered to become capable, curious learners, ready to take on the world around them.
Which program is best for my child?
You know your child best! All of our classes are play based and follow the Flight framework. Each program is based on the emergent needs and interests of the children, so each program is unique each year depending on the children who enroll. Every class will have opportunities to explore art, building, sensory, STEM, music, literacy, and gross motor play both indoors and outdoors.
The Explorers class (4 year-olds and kinders) is outdoor focussed. Our intent is to spend at least two thirds of our time each week outside in all weather: playing, hiking, exploring, wondering, questioning, and connecting with nature.
What is the daily schedule?
Our daily schedule adapts to the children’s interests and needs. While we have a general structure, we allow for flexibility to follow the flow of the day.
Kiddos enjoy free play, exploring activities like dramatic play, art, building, and STEM, as well as gross motor time for physical activity. Circle time includes sharing, singing, music, and storytime to build language and social skills. We also have a designated snack time to refuel and socialize.
Outdoor play is a key part of our day, and we head outside for fresh air and exploration whenever the weather allows.
Teacher Credentials and Ratios
What qualifications and training do the teachers and staff have?
Ms Jules is a passionate educator with over 20 years of experience teaching drama, music, and musical theatre to children of all ages in Toronto and Edmonton. She holds an honors diploma in Early Learning and Childcare from NorQuest College and completed her practicum at Jasper Place Family Resource Centre. Grounded in attachment theory, she emphasizes play-based learning to foster children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.
Ms Sandra is a dedicated educator with a background in international development and a passion for working with young children. She holds an honors diploma in Early Learning and Childcare from NorQuest College and has experience teaching swimming and dance. Originally from the Netherlands, she is excited to support children's growth through play-based learning in Edmonton.
Both Ms Jules and Ms Sandra are up to date with current CPR and first aid training certifications.
What is the student-to-teacher ratio?
Our 3 year-old Jack Rabbit class is limited to 16 children, while our 4 year-old Caribou class is capped at 18. We offer 15 spots in our 4 & 5 year-old Explorers class.
Health and Safety
What are the school's health and safety protocols?
During the registration process, we collect important information about any allergies or medical needs so our teachers are fully aware of each child’s unique requirements and can provide appropriate care. In the case of any injuries, we follow licensing requirements to ensure that they are properly documented and managed.
We also ask that children be kept home if they are showing signs of active illness to help prevent the spread of germs to their friends and to allow them to rest and recover.
What are the cleaning and sanitization procedures?
We follow a strict cleaning and sanitization schedule to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all children. Since little ones are still building their immune systems (and love to share more than just their toys!), we take extra care to minimize the spread of germs. By staying diligent with our cleaning procedures, we create a space where children can learn, play, and explore while keeping their well-being a top priority.
Our daily routine includes disinfecting high-touch surfaces, sanitizing toys and learning materials, and maintaining proper handwashing practices throughout the day. Deeper cleaning is done regularly to meet licensing requirements and uphold the highest standards of health and safety.
Social and Emotional Development
How are children helped to transition into the preschool environment?
We know that starting preschool is a big step – not just for little ones, but for their families too! For many children, this is their first experience being away from home, and it’s completely normal for there to be a mix of excitement and nervousness. That’s why we take a gentle, supportive approach to help each child ease into their new adventure at their own pace.
To make the transition smoother, we offer a staggered start, allowing parents to attend on the first day. This gives children a chance to explore their new environment while still having the comfort of a familiar face nearby. Our caring teachers are there every step of the way, offering reassurance, encouragement, and lots of warm smiles.
And while there may be a few teary goodbyes at first, we promise – most of those tears magically disappear the moment parents are out of sight! Before you know it, your little one will be happily engaged in play, making new friends, and coming home with stories to tell.
How does the school foster social skills and friendships?
Friendships are at the heart of a happy preschool experience, and we create plenty of opportunities for children to connect, play, and grow together! Through group activities, cooperative play, and guided social interactions, we help little ones learn important skills like sharing, taking turns, and using kind words. We also encourage children to understand and respect personal space and body autonomy – learning to express when they need space and to respect when others do too. Our teachers gently support children as they navigate friendships, helping them build confidence, empathy, and strong social foundations.
Logistics
Where are you located?
The preschool is on the west side of the Rio Terrace Community League at 15500 76 Ave NW. Our bright and sunny classroom has a dramatic play area, a building area, and a large sensory bin with tables for revolving art and STEM activities. The upstairs loft features a climbing wall, meeting space, and library, as well as the entrance to our large indoor tube slide that connects the two levels. We also use the community league hall and outdoor playground for gross motor play!
What are the program hours?
Our 3 year-old Jack Rabbit program runs Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8:45-11:15.
Our 4 year-old Caribou program runs Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 8:45-11:15.
Our 4 & 5 year-old Explorers program runs Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons from 12:30-3:00.
Do you provide transportation to/from daycares and day homes?
Unfortunately, we do not. Getting to preschool and "home" is the responsibility of each family.
Do I have to pack a snack for my child?
Yes! Each class includes a 10-minute snack time, and we ask parents to provide a small, healthy snack along with a water bottle for their child. You can find more details in our Parent Handbook.
What are the costs and what is included?
Please see our Parent Handbook for detailed information about our registration fees, tuition, and fundraising information.
What is the school's policy for holidays and closures?
Our preschool follows the schedule for Edmonton Public Schools, including fall, winter, and spring breaks, as well as PD days.
To help ease the transition for kiddos with older siblings, our school year generally begins about a week after Edmonton Public has started, and ends a week earlier.
Parental Involvement
How can parents get involved?
As a parent cooperative, there are countless opportunities to be involved at our school! You will be invited into the classroom every 4-6 weeks as a parent helper, plus you can serve on our Executive Board or choose from lots of other parent jobs, including (but not limited to) weekly laundry and recycling, event set-up and removal, and emergency parent volunteers.
Can’t make Helper Day happen with your busy schedule? Good news! Grandparents, aunts and uncles are welcome, too!
What does it mean to be a parent cooperative?
A parent cooperative preschool is a special early learning environment where families and educators work together to create a supportive, community-centered space. Parents play an active role by participating in classroom activities, contributing to the preschool’s daily operations, and gaining valuable insights into child development through hands-on experiences with their own and other children.
Children thrive in a safe, engaging setting surrounded by caring adults, while parents develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of their child’s growth. Through this shared journey, families build strong support networks, offering one another guidance, encouragement, and friendship throughout the preschool years.
What communication methods are used to keep parents informed?
Our main form of communication is email – this is how we send important messages and monthly updates, as well as reminders for upcoming preschool events. We also use the SeeSaw app to share photos and videos of your children’s adventures!
Special Features
Do you go on field trips?
Each year, classes participate in a variety of field trips. In some cases they are residencies within the school and sometimes they are out in the community. The field trips differ year to year based on the children’s interests. Some of our past in-class field trips have been Sportball, drama classes, and yoga, and community field trips include the river valley, John Janzen Nature Centre, the Muttart and the Edmonton Public Library.
What outdoor and physical activity opportunities are available?
We believe that movement and outdoor exploration are essential parts of early childhood learning! Our preschool is fortunate to have access to a large community playground, which includes plenty of space for climbing, running, and imaginative play – plus a splash park for cooling off on warm days.
For indoor physical activity, we use the community league hall as our "gymnasium," ensuring children have plenty of space for gross motor play, no matter the weather. Whether it’s obstacle courses, movement games, or free play, we prioritize active time every day.
Outdoor exploration is a key part of our educational philosophy, and we strive to be outside daily whenever possible. In our Explorers program, outdoor time increases significantly, with at least two thirds of the program spent outside, giving children even more opportunities to connect with nature, build resilience, and develop a love for the outdoors.
Next Steps
What is the application process?
Spots are filled on a first come, first served basis. We often have waitlists for each class, so registering early to claim a seat in your desired program is strongly encouraged! Please head to our Registration page to submit your information.
Can we schedule a visit?
Of course! Please reach out to rtpedm@gmail.com to schedule a time to explore our space and get to know our phenomenal educators. We can’t wait to meet you!
What do other families say about the school?
They love us! We have been a treasured community preschool for over 50 years. Check out our glowing Google reviews!