St. Mary School will implement an all-day pre-kindergarten program this fall, as part of a pilot project for Light of Christ Catholic School Division. (Submitted photo/St. Mary School)

By Josh Ryan

Expanding Pre K

St. Mary School introducing new pre-kindergarten programming this fall

May 18, 2021 | 5:00 PM

Light of Christ Catholic Schools are embarking on a pilot project for 3-5 year-old children.

This September, St. Mary School in North Battleford will offer an alternating full-day pre-kindergarten program at the school, where children can attend Monday and Wednesday or on Tuesday and Thursday. The program is designed to give kids a learning “boost” prior to kindergarten.

Principal Shaun Loeppky said this area is something they’ve looked at since beginning a strategic plan back in 2019. Parents who have difficulty getting childcare for half a day would be able to have some leeway and children who receive limited learning will get a bump, while also having opportunities to be involved with the kids activities during monthly family days.

“There’s more opportunities for kids if they come later, for learning activities,” Leoppky said. “And we’ll be able to provide better and longer-term programming. We’re looking forward to the initiative.”

Part of the benefit of having an all-day program is that children will have a greater variety of activities to participate in, particularly those that are more hands on. Leoppky said young kids have a short attention span and it’s important to work with them over a longer period, as well as address the ones who will most benefit from the program.

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“We want to work with the kids that are non-verbal, maybe have some areas where they need to improve to get ready for kindergarten,” he said.

When it comes to admitting kids, Leoppky said they will work on a case-by-case basis, noting there will be a committee set up to take a look at each child and identify areas for growth with members from Prairie North Health Region and Battlefords Early Childhood Intervention Program. There’s a particular focus on a learning deficit in skills that would benefit them in kindergarten.

New students would be accepted as spaces become available throughout the school year. Some of the criteria include difficulties in speech or language, lack of family support, the family being involved with child protection services and mild overall developmental delays.

“It could be non-verbal or it could be a need more socialization,” Leoppky said. “We’ve been able to bring in a variety of different kids, but that is a general list and that’s what we go by.”

In starting the pilot project, Leoppky said they believe it could have impacts down the road, with students well-prepared by Grade 3 tend to do well come graduation. Given their facility elements, such as the school’s courtyard, he feels they’re well equipped for this task.

“We’re really proud of our program, it’s a great space and opportunity for learning,” he said.

Applications are available online.

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josh.ryan@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports