Division News Article

Early Learning (Pre-Kindergarten) Applications NOW OPEN for 2026-2027!

January 19th, 2026

Do you have preschool-aged children at home?

Early Learning pre-kindergarten programs are in our community schools, and we are taking applications for the 2026-2027 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 certified 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.

Program Schedules

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

  • a Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday schedule, mornings or afternoons, three hours per day.

Individualized schedules are determined based on the child’s needs and program location. 

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.

Is there a fee? 

  • Program fees do not apply to children who are eligible for early intervention support based on Alberta Education and Childcare criteria.
  • Program fees do apply for children who are not eligible for early intervention (Play Partners). For Play Partners, the program fee is $15 per day (per child), with programs running two days per week. Play Partner fees are invoiced in October.

Who can apply?

Children who will be 3 years old by December 31, 2026 (2023 birth year) and 4 years old (2022 birth year) are eligible to apply!

Please note:

  • An application does not guarantee acceptance.
  • Students who are eligible for early intervention support 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 2026-2027 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 in 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 are indicated below.
  2. Registration: Upon acceptance into an Early Learning program, parents will receive an email to complete an online Early Learning Registration 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

How to apply

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 2026-20276 PHSD Early Learning Application Form (right side of screen) – click the green +New button to complete and submit the form.
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).

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