Kindergarten

Welcome to Kindergarten:

A Wonderful Beginning at GECDSB!smiling kindergarten student

Starting school is an exciting milestone for both children and their families, and at the Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB), we’re here to make this transition smooth and joyful. Kindergarten is a two-year, full-day program designed to create a strong foundation for lifelong learning. With our focus on inquiry-based and play-centered learning, children develop holistically in areas such as physical, social, emotional, and cognitive growth.

Our program embraces each child’s natural curiosity and their desire to explore the world around them. Through engaging activities, exploration, investigation, and meaningful communication, your child will experience the joy of discovery while building skills for future success. With opportunities for Early French Immersion and before-and-after-school child care programs, GECDSB offers flexible options to support your family’s needs.

At GECDSB, we value the partnership between families and educators. By working together, we create a warm and nurturing environment where children feel supported in their everyday learning experiences. Registration for Junior and Senior Kindergarten begins in February, and we invite families to explore how our programs can help their children thrive.

Getting Ready for Kindergarten

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I register my child for kindergarten?
Will your child be entering Kindergarten? Register in advance through the Greater Essex County District School Board. Please complete the online registration form and then contact the school secretary to submit all necessary documentation and complete the registration process.

Register with GECDSB
How old does my child need to be to start kindergarten?
To enter Junior Kindergarten, your child must be 4 years old by December 31. To enter Senior Kindergarten, your child must be 5 years old by December 31.
What documents are required for registration?
 You will need to submit a variety of documents to complete the registration process:
  • Canadian citizenship and birthdate
  • Proof of home address 
    • Provide at least two (2)  - Acceptable documentation - Most recent property tax bill, income tax assessment, utility bill, bank statements, Valid Ontario drivers' license (not temporary). Offer to purchase a home agreement that is to be occupied as the permanent residence dated within the last 90 days. Mortgage, rental or lease agreement (must be accompanied by official receipt of payment. Hand written receipts are NOT accepted).  
  • Contact information for parent or guardian (home and work)
  • Emergency contact information
  • Custody information (if applicable)
  • Family doctor information
  • Medical information (i.e., immunization records, allergies, etc.)
How do I find out which school my child will attend?
Use our school finder tool to find a school near you.
 What language options are available, such as French Immersion?

Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) is proud to offer an Early French Immersion program where students begin learning in French as early as Junior and Senior Kindergarten.

Check out our French as a Second Language programs to learn how to enrol your child in French Immersion and find supporting resources for families and students.
How can I help prepare my child for kindergarten?
You can help prepare your child for Kindergarten in a variety of ways. One way to get your child excited about school, is to talk about the fun they will have and all the new friends they will meet. You can even try driving or walking past the school or looking around the playground so that your child becomes familiar with the school environment.

Here are some skills that you can practice with your child before they start school:

  • Say their first and last name. 
  • Walk to school or the bus stop
  • Enjoy having books read to them and ask questions about the story. 
  • Practice putting on and taking off shoes, sweaters, and jackets. 
  • Look for letters, numbers, and words around them.  
  • Sing along and move with a song. 
  • Act out their favourite story or movie. 
  • Paint, draw pictures or create art with a variety of materials. 
  • Play with other children. 
  • Explore outdoors.
  • Play games with their family. 
  • Practice opening snack and drink containers. 
  • Know and let an adult know when they need to use the washroom. 
  • Count and sort lots of things (toys, crayons, socks, etc.) 
  • Visit the EarlyON centre nearest you. For information visit the website. 

Find More Tips on Preparing Your Child for Kindergarten
Does my child need to know certain skills before starting?

In Kindergarten, we focus on four main learning frames to support your child's development. This approach aligns with the way learning naturally occurs and focuses on aspects of learning that are critical to child development.

Watch our Kindergarten program video to learn more about the four frames of learning
If I have a specific question about my child's particular individual situations or needs, who do I contact?

If you have an individual or specific question regardig your child, you should contact your designated school principal. The principal will ensure that information is shared with the appropriate staff and that families can be connected with the appropriate school supports. Caregivers may be asked to sign consent for releases of information, so that schools can gather further information from community partners to support successful transitions.

How can I share with the school about my child’s needs/medical needs? What forms might I need to complete to share these needs or if my child has an allergy or needs medication?

During the enrollment process there is a section where you can provide information regarding needs, medical needs, and allergies etc. It is best to connect directly with your child’s school so that you can share important information and provide any documentation that may be necessary. The school will provide caregivers with any forms that need to be completed to ensure the safety and health of each student. Some students will have transition meetings with school and community teams to further share information.
What should I do if my child is nervous or scared about starting school?
If your child is nervous or scared about starting school, here are some helpful steps you can take to ease their transition:

  1. Talk About What to Expect: Share positive stories about starting school, focusing on exciting aspects like making new friends, playing games, and learning new things.

  2. Visit the School Together: Familiarize your child with their new environment by attending our Kindergarten Open House in February. This is a great opportunity for you and your child to tour the school, meet their teachers, and see the classroom. Feeling familiar with the space and the people they’ll see every day can greatly reduce anxiety.

  3. Practice the Routine: Create a mock "school day" at home, including getting dressed, packing a backpack, and practicing saying goodbye. This helps children feel more prepared for their new routine.

  4. Acknowledge Their Feelings: Let your child know that it’s normal to feel a bit nervous. Reassure them that their teachers are there to help them and that the feelings will fade as they get used to school.

  5. Build Excitement: Encourage your child to talk about what they’re excited to do at school. Focus on fun aspects like playing outside, storytime, or bringing a favorite snack in their lunch.

  6. Stay Positive: Children often mirror their parents' attitudes. Speak positively about school and express confidence in their ability to handle this new adventure.

Remember, our Kindergarten Open House is the perfect time for you and your child to explore, ask questions, and start building a connection with their school community. We’re here to support you and your child every step of the way!

 
How can I help my child adjust to the new routine?
Here are three key tips to help your child adjust to the new kindergarten routine:

  1. Establish a Routine Early: Begin a consistent school-day schedule a few weeks before kindergarten starts, including regular bedtimes, wake-up times, and meal times. Practice tasks like packing a backpack and getting dressed independently.

  2. Familiarize Your Child with School: Attend our Kindergarten Open House in February to tour the school, meet teachers, and explore the classroom. Feeling comfortable with the environment and people will ease their transition.

  3. Stay Positive and Reassuring: Talk about the fun aspects of school, like making friends and playing games. Acknowledge their feelings and reassure them that being nervous is normal and their teachers are there to support them.

By preparing early and building excitement, your child will feel confident and ready for this new adventure!
Is before-and-after-school care available?
Schools within the GECDSB offer a variety of child care and early learning options, including before and after school care. Explore our child care providers and programs and learn how you can register your child. 
 How do I arrange transportation for my child (e.g., buses)?

To arrange transportation for your child, please visit Bus Kids, the official platform for Windsor-Essex Student Transportation Services. On the website, you can determine your child's eligibility for transportation, access school information and boundary maps, and learn about the JK First Ride Registration program.

Visit Buskids.ca

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