Kindergarten (Early Learning)

All Renfrew County District School Board (RCDSB) elementary schools provide a two-year, full-day/every day, early learning Kindergarten program. Children turning four (4) by the end of the calendar year are eligible to enrol in Junior Kindergarten.

Kindergarten education teams are comprised of caring teachers and early childhood educators who create opportunities to support optimal learning. 

The Kindergarten program is a dynamic, developmentally appropriate, play-based learning environment. The purpose of the program is to establish a strong foundation for learning in the early years that promotes the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of all children. Every Family of School has a bilingual Kindergarten option available. 

More program information is available below.

Registration Process

Step 1: Locate School

School Locator

Step 2: Review Aspen Instructions

Aspen Registration Guide

Step 3: Complete Registration Forms in Aspen

Pre-Register Online With Aspen 

Step 4: Gather all documents

Document Checklist

Step 5: Finish registration in person at your local school

Our Schools

 

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. Please contact the elementary school nearest you for specific arrangements if you are unable to access the online forms);

  • 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.

  • Kindergarten New to School Information Form

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

Features of RCDSB Kindergarten program: 

Kids playing with paint

  • All RCDSB Kindergarten program offers learning environments that allow all children to feel comfortable in applying their unique ways of thinking and learning. The program is:

    • Built around expectations that are challenging but attainable

    • Flexible enough to respond to individual differences

    • Provides every child with the kind of support they need in order to develop:

      • self-regulation, 

      • healthy 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. 

Bilingual Kindergarten Program

Lady smiling with two young girls making crafts on a table

The RCDSB has significantly grown the French Immersion programming. In every Family of Schools, there is an option to select a French-as-a-Second Language program with a corresponding Bilingual Kindergarten Program for all students. Following Kindergarten, families will decide if their child will remain in FSL or choose an English Stream with a French component. Please note, bussing is only provided to home schools.

Find out more about French-as-a-Second Language program here.

Play-Based Learning

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, role play and make decisions - skills that help your child become a successful learner.

Special Needs

Every RCDSB school 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. 

Extended Day Program for Children

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 enrol your child in a School-Based Extended Day and Before & After School Program for students from Junior Kindergarten up to age 12.

Extended Day and Before & After School Programs operate within the school by an Early Childhood Educator. Options for before and after-school care complement the regular school day programming. Programs are contingent on enrolment and are an extra cost to families.  Subsidies may be available from the County of Renfrew Fee Subsidy - Renfrew County Child Care and Early Years Division

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

Jenny Smith
Superintendent of Education (Program Services) 
P: 613-735-0151 x3314
F: 613-735-7558