Division News Article

2025-2026 Early Learning Applications are now open!

January 20th, 2025

Do you have preschool-aged children at home?

Early Learning pre-kindergarten programs are available in many of our community schools and we are taking applications for the 2025-2026 school year. Our inclusive programs are focused on 3- and 4-year-old children and provide opportunities for early intervention.

What sets us apart?

  • Each Early Learning program has a certificated teacher with access to additional specialized services if needed.
  • Programs are housed within our community schools and children may have access to sensory rooms, gymnasiums and more.
  • Our Early Learning programs support all developmental domains for pre-K students, including social-emotional, cognitive, physical, language, creativity and self-care skills, including independent eating and toileting skills.

Is there a fee? 

  • Program fees do not apply to children who are eligible for early intervention, based on government criteria.
  • Program fees do apply to Play Partners (children who are not eligible for early intervention). Play Partner fees are determined by the beginning of October.

Who can apply?

Children who will be 3-years-old by December 31, 2025 (2022 birth year) and 4-year-olds (2021 birth year) are eligible to apply.

Please note:

  • Application does not guarantee acceptance.
  • Students who are eligible for early intervention and 4-year-olds will be given priority to attend.
  • Three-year-old Play Partner applications will be reviewed in June and accepted if space is available.
  • Current Early Learning students planning to return to Early Learning for 2025-26 do not need to complete the application/registration process again. Parents can discuss their plans with their current Early Learning teacher.

How to apply

Enroling into Early Learning is a two-step process:

  1. Application: Parents apply for their child to attend an Early Learning program by completing the online application form — steps indicated below.
    Application does not guarantee acceptance. Students who are eligible for early intervention and 4-year-olds are given priority to attend.
  2. Registration: Upon acceptance into an Early Learning program, parents will receive an email to complete an online Early Learning Registration Form.

APPLICATION – Submit your application online through SchoolEngage:

  • If you are brand new to Pembina Hills, go to SchoolEngage and create your Parent Account.
  • If you already have children attending school in Pembina Hills, you can access enrolment forms from your PowerSchool Parent Portal by clicking on New Registration & Enrollment Verification at the bottom of the menu on the left side of the screen.

Once you are signed in to SchoolEngage:

  • Click Add Student (left menu) and enter your child’s First Name, Last Name and Birth Date.
  • In the menu under Students, click on your child’s name.
  • You will see the 2025-26 PHSD Early Learning Application Form (right side of screen) – click the green +New button to complete and submit the form.

Apply now—New families             Apply now—Existing families

Contact us for more information

Kelly Ferguson, Principal—Phone 780-674-8565
Anjeanette Klein, Administrative Assistant—Phone 780-674-8545

Email el.main@pembinahills.ca

Frequently Asked Questions

What days does Early Learning programming occur?

Our program schedules can vary depending on the school but our programs typically follow

  • Mondays & Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays
  • Morning program: 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. or Afternoon program: 12:20 p.m.-3:20 p.m.

Schedules may be altered depending on the child’s needs and program location. Specific schedule information is communicated by the Early Learning Team in approximately July.

When is the first/last day of school for Early Learning students?

The first day of school for Early Learning students occurs after the Labour Day weekend in September. The last day of school takes place in the first week of June.

Does my child need to be toilet trained to attend an Early Learning program?

While we do not have specific requirements for children to be toilet trained to attend an Early Learning program, we will support your child’s progress in the development of this skill and recommend starting this process at home. Parents can discuss specific needs with their child’s teacher.

What supplies does an Early Learning student need?

They will need a backpack, inside shoes, change of clothes, snack, water bottle and toilet learning supplies (if required).