Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
Gold Bar Preschool is located inside Gold Bar Elementary School (10524 46 St NW).
We use the West doors (same as the daycare entrance)
How do I register?
Simply download & fill out the registration form under the registration tab. Send the complete registration to goldbarpreschoolparents@gmail.com. Alterantively, fill out an electronic copy via the Google form. A board member will confirm your registration and make arrangements to receive your registration deposit. Your registration is only guaranteed once the registration fee is received.
When is the registration deadline?
Applications for the following school year will open in February for alumni families and will open for general registration March 1st. Applications are accepted on a first come, first serve basis & is not guaranteed. Priority is given to children already 3 by September 1st. Students who turn 3 after September will be placed on a waitlist & accepted if spots open.
What does it mean to be a parent co-operative program?
A parent co-operative preschool is organized and administered by the parents. Gold Bar Preschool requires one adult to fill one volunteer position per child registered. At the AGM prior to the school year, all families registered in our program form a volunteer board with assigned jobs that allow the preschool to operate. See our Volunteer page for more information.
Do I have to roster?
Each class, we have 1 roster parent to help in the classroom. Roster parents are required to obtain a clean Criminal Record Check & Child Intervention Check before school starts for every parent/guardian who is rostering in the class. See our Volunteer page for more information.
We do have a roster parent buy-out program where you would pay $400 to opt out of volunteer days. Ask a board member for more details!
When is the AGM?
The AGM for the school year is typically the last week of August. A member of the preschool board of executives will send an email once the date is confirmed. It is mandatory for a representative from each family to attend the AGM to finalize volunteer roles, hand in your commitment cheques and get organized for the upcoming school year. It’s also a great time to meet other parents and ask any questions of the parent board and our teacher.
How many spaces are available each year?
We currently accommodate 15 children in our program.
How many days per week is the program?
We currently offer a play based outdoor focused program 3 days/week (Mon/Wed/Fri)- The classes run from 9:00am - 11:30am and children must be daytime toilet trained. See our Classes & Fees page for more information.
What is the cost of the program?
2 days/ week enrollment: $220/month ($120 with the affordability grant), 3 days/week enrollment: $280/month ($180 with the affordability grant)
There is a non-refundable registration (membership) fee of $100.00 (per child) and is payable upon registration. See our Classes & Fees page for more information.
Do I need to provide a snack?
Parents/guardians are responsible for providing a simple, nut-free healthy snack and water each school day. They should be kept in a small snack bag with your child/s name labeled. Please ensure your child can open their snack containers and water bottles on their own.
What clothing or shoes/boots are suggested for the program?
Children should be dressed for the weather. The class is taken outdoors for most of the spring & fall, so please plan your outside wardrobe accordingly (jacket, rain boots, splash pants, sunscreen, hats, bug spray). In the winter months, we endeavour to go outside everyday (if it’s not too cold), so please make sure your child has appropriate warm clothing (snow pants, toques, boots, jacket, gloves/mitts).
Please also ensure your child has a spare set of clothing and indoor shoes to leave in their backpack. When selecting indoor shoes for your child for preschool, please choose a pair that the child can easily put on and take off by themselves. Not only does it build confidence, but it also saves time for parents and staff too. Please label all clothing items in a ziploc bag.
What type of backpack is required for preschool?
Most kids have tiny shoulders and their frames are narrow which means they usually can’t keep backpack straps on when there is any weight added to their bags. As a result of this, please purchase a size appropriate backpack with a chest clip/strap as we are walking to the river valley often. Here are some links to a few different brands of kids backpacks that come with a chest strap/clip.