Kindergarten (Early Learning)

All Renfrew County District School Board (RCDSB) elementary schools provide full day, every day, early learning in the Kindergarten program.

Kindergarten education teams, comprised of a teacher and an early childhood educator, create opportunities to support optimal learning in the Kindergarten program.

The Kindergarten program is a child-centred, developmentally appropriate, integrated program of learning for four and five year-old children. The purpose of the program is to establish a strong foundation for learning in the early years, and to do so in a safe and caring, play-based environment that promotes the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of all children.

The RCDSB Kindergarten program: 

Kids playing with paint

  • supports the creation of a learning environment that allows all children to feel comfortable in applying their unique ways of thinking and learning; 

  • is built around expectations that are challenging but attainable; 

  • is flexible enough to respond to individual differences; 

  • provides every child with the kind of support he or she needs in order to develop: 

    • self-regulation; 

    • health, well-being, and a sense of security; 

    • emotional and social competence;

    • curiosity, creativity, and confidence in learning; 

    • respect for diversity.

  • supports engagement and ongoing dialogue with families about their children’s learning and development.

You are your child's first and most important teacher. Your child's best learning happens when they are spending time with you doing activities that are fun and interesting. This is play-based learning. Studies show that during playtime, children are most receptive to new information and skills. Through play you can stimulate your child to learn, problem-solve, communicate, negotiate, roleplay and make decisions - skills that help your child become a successful learner.

Every RCDSB school in Renfrew County provides a wide range of services and opportunities for all students to grow and learn in a supportive environment where individual differences are recognized and the full potential of all is promoted. If your child has special needs, please share this information with the principal when you register so that services and support can be put in place to make the transition to school as smooth as possible. 

Bilingual Kindergarten Program

Lady smiling with two young girls making crafts on a table

As part of a five-year plan to grow our French Immersion programming across the District, your attendance boundary school may offer a rich and dynamic bilingual play-based learning environment for your child. Find out more about our French-as-a-Second Language program!

Online Registration

To register your child for JK/SK, use our online Registration and Transfers system anytime.

Register for the RCDSB Kindergarten Program

Kindergarten New to School Checklist

In-Person

Please contact the elementary school  nearest you for specific arrangements.

Required Documentation

Both registration methods require you to present the following documents at a time designated by the school in accordance with COVID-19 protocols:

  • completed, signed and dated registration form (access the form online, complete it and bring it to school);

  • proof of address (home phone/cable/internet bill) or proof of  tenancy/ownership (Ontario Property Assessment Notice or lease agreement or property tax bill);

  • proof of student’s age (birth certificate, registration of birth card or passport);

  • Ensure the student’s immunization record is up to date by using the secure online ICON tool that is specific to Renfrew County and District. This provides Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) with an electronic file of immunization records.  It is important to verify that you are using the ICON website for RCDHU, by looking at the top, since ICON tools are specific to health unit regions.  Should you require assistance with using the tool or are having difficulty accessing the internet, please call the Health Unit Immunization Department at 613-732-3629 ext. 509 or check out the ICON Tool for School Registration FAQ sheet. 

  • proof of custody where applicable (custody orders, court ordered Guardianship);

  • Immigration documents where applicable.

If you have questions about the registration process, contact the elementary school nearest you. 

Extended Day Program for Children between Ages of 3 - 12

Young girl smiling while holding a toy

In an effort to better understand parent interest and determine the viability of establishing Before and After care at sites across the District, we are asking you to declare whether you would enroll your child in a School-Based Extended Day Program for students from Junior Kindergarten up to age 12.

School-Based Extended Day Programs operate within the school by an Early Childhood Educator with options for before and after school care and are meant to compliment regular school day programming. They are contingent on enrolment and are funded from parent fees. 

Subsidies may be available from the County of Renfrew. The School-Based Extended Day Program Family Survey form can be completed from the Online Registration portal if you are new to RCDSB and completing the online registration form or from the Google Survey link.

Kindergarten Admission Age

  • Junior Kindergarten children must be four years of age on or before December 31 of the current school year.

  • Senior Kindergarten children must be five years of age on or before December 31 of the current school year.

  • Junior Kindergarten students who attended in the current school year do not need to re-register for Senior Kindergarten.

Additional Resources

Countdown to Kindergarten handbook

Ontario Ministry of Education Website

Ministry of Children and Youth Services Website - Best Start

Oral Language Development in the Kindergarten Years

Contact

Renald Cousineau
Superintendent of Education (Program Services) 
P: 613-735-0151 x3307
F: 613-735-1898