faqs
questions?
we've got answers.
helpful answers about everyday life at Bonnie Doon Playschool- from getting ready for school to classroom routines, learning, safety, and family communications.
getting ready
please send a simple, healthy snack and water bottle inside a labelled lunch bag. The bag should be large enough to hold everything comfortably, using containers and a water bottle your child can open and close independently.
keeping these items together makes it easier for children to carry their belongings into and out of the classroom while leaving one hand free for artwork, handouts, and any small treasures they bring home.
a labelled change of clothing and indoor shoes can remain at school.
preschool can be wonderfully messy! Children should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing that allows them to move, explore, create, and play freely. Please label all outdoor clothing and send a complete change of clothes to keep at school.
children also need secure indoor shoes they can put on and remove independently. If possible, please choose white or non-marking soles to help protect our classroom floors.
keep preparation positive, simple, and predictable. Talk about their teachers, what the classroom will be like, and the familiar parts of the preschool morning. Knowing what comes next helps routines feel safe and calming.
our teachers use a staggered-entry model at the beginning of the year, giving children time to become familiar with their teachers, classmates, and classroom routines in a smaller, calmer setting.
on school days, arrive on time and use the same brief, confident goodbye. Although staying longer may feel reassuring, prolonged goodbyes can increase anxiety. Remind your child when you will return, offer a warm goodbye, and allow the familiar classroom routine to begin.
practise everyday skills such as opening and closing their backpack, lunch bag, snack containers, and water bottle; putting on shoes and a jacket; washing their hands; toileting; and packing up their belongings.
talk about preschool with warmth and encouragement without creating pressure to have a “perfect” day. Questions such as “What did you explore?” or “What made you curious today?” can invite conversation while allowing your child to share at their own pace.
separation anxiety is a normal part of beginning preschool, and every child adjusts differently. Our educators have trauma-informed training and use calm, predictable routines, warm reassurance, and meaningful connection to help children feel safe.
some tears at goodbye are completely normal, and most children settle quickly once they begin connecting with their teachers, friends, and classroom activities. We stay close, offer comfort, and gently help each child become engaged in the morning.
we will never leave a child in prolonged distress. If your child remains deeply upset and we are unable to comfort them, we will contact you so we can decide on the best next step together.
the first few weeks focus on building relationships, learning classroom routines, and developing a sense of safety and belonging. Some children settle quickly, while others need more time- and both are completely normal.
separation anxiety may begin right away, appear a few weeks into the school year, or not occur at all. Your child may also be more tired or emotional as they adjust to new people, routines, and experiences.
consistent attendance, arriving on time, and calm goodbyes can make the transition easier. We will keep you informed and work with you as your child becomes more comfortable and confident.
everyday preschool life
the Early Learning Foundations runs Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30–11:45 a.m.
the Kindergarten Readiness runs Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:15–11:45 a.m.
the outside doors to the boot room open 15 minutes before class begins. This gives families time to come inside, put away belongings, and use the washroom before entering the classroom. The outside doors are locked shortly after class begins.
our mornings begin right away, so arriving on time helps children settle in alongside their classmates and begin the day feeling calm and connected.
both programs end at 11:45 a.m. Thank you for being ready to welcome your child at dismissal.
our mornings follow a familiar schedule, giving children the comfort of knowing what to expect and what comes next. Consistent routines help children feel secure, build independence, and move confidently through their day.
a typical morning includes arrival activities, a welcome circle, purposeful play and learning experiences, snack, movement and physical literacy, and a closing gathering.
while our routine remains consistent, the activities within it change as teachers respond to the children’s interests, ideas, and learning needs.
both preschool and daycare provide caring, nurturing environments where children can learn and grow, but they often meet different needs.
daycare typically provides extended care throughout the day, often for children of varying ages. Preschool is a part-day early learning program designed specifically for children in the years leading up to kindergarten.
at Bonnie Doon Playschool, children learn through purposeful play, hands-on exploration, and meaningful classroom experiences. They build confidence, independence, communication, and social skills while exploring age-appropriate concepts such as letters, sounds, numbers, patterns, early writing, and problem-solving.
our consistent routines, circle times, group learning, and collaborative activities help children become comfortable in a classroom setting. Both of our teachers bring experience from the school system, allowing us to thoughtfully support each child’s transition to kindergarten while keeping play at the heart of learning.
many families choose both daycare and preschool, giving their children the unique benefits of each.
absolutely. We have partnerships with select daycare programs that provide transportation to and from Bonnie Doon Playschool.
if your child attends daycare and you would also like them to experience our preschool program, ask your daycare provider whether transportation to Bonnie Doon may be available.
daycare providers and operators interested in partnering with us are invited to contact our School Operations Manager. We would be happy to explore how we can work together to support children and families in our community.
the outer doors open 15 minutes before class, giving families time to settle in without feeling rushed. Before entering the classroom, every child must use the washroom.
in the boot room, encourage your child to remove their outdoor gear, hang up their coat, find and put on their indoor shoes, and place their labelled snack bag in their cubby. Keeping snack bags in the designated cubbies ensures they are organized and easy for children to find at snack time. This predictable routine reduces confusion and helps children practise caring for their belongings independently.
offer help when needed while allowing your child time to try each task themselves. The boot room is an extension of our classroom, so please keep voices, movement, and activity calm. Caregivers remain with their child until the teachers open the classroom door and welcome students inside.
at dismissal, children are released only to an authorized adult. Please let us know in advance whenever possible if someone different will be picking up your child. Photo identification may be requested.
yes- children are always welcome to use the classroom washroom when needed. We ask every child to use the washroom before entering the classroom to reduce interruptions and help the group settle into the morning routine.
preschoolers often become interested in a washroom trip when they see a classmate going, which can quickly lead to long waits and missed classroom time. Using the washroom beforehand helps everyone begin comfortably while keeping visits during class available for children who need them.
our mornings begin as soon as the teachers open the classroom door, so arriving on time helps your child enter the routine alongside their classmates. Arriving late can make the transition more difficult and may mean missing an important part of the morning.
if you will be late, need to collect your child early, or experience an unexpected pickup delay, please contact the school as soon as possible.
children are released only to authorized adults, and photo identification may be requested. Your child will remain safely supervised until their approved caregiver arrives.
please let the teachers know as soon as possible if your child will be absent. Regular attendance helps children become familiar with classroom routines, strengthen relationships, and develop a sense of belonging.
consistency is especially helpful for children experiencing separation anxiety, as longer absences can interrupt their routine and make the transition back more difficult.
we understand that illness and family circumstances happen, and we appreciate families keeping us informed.
families provide a simple, healthy snack and water bottle each day. Pack the snack in a labelled lunch bag using containers your child can open and close independently. Lunch bags are placed in the children’s cubbies during arrival, while water bottles come into the classroom with the children.
all snacks must follow our nut-free policy. For health and safety reasons, children may not share food. Please reinforce this expectation at home, and we will do the same at preschool.
snack is also an important social part of our morning. Children practise managing their belongings, opening their containers, enjoying conversations, and spending time together as a classroom community.
we love helping children feel special on their birthday. Each birthday child is recognized with a simple classroom celebration and chooses a book from our birthday bin to take home. Children with summer birthdays are also celebrated before the school year ends.
to keep celebrations safe and inclusive for children with allergies and dietary needs, birthdays are celebrated without food treats.
movement and physical literacy are integrated throughout our program daily. Children participate in active indoor and outdoor experiences that build coordination, confidence, strength, and gross-motor skills.
outdoor play and community exploration take place when programming, weather, and conditions allow. Please send your child dressed for the weather and ready to move, explore, and sometimes get a little messy.
yes- children may participate in curriculum-connected field trips, nearby community walks, and special classroom visits throughout the year. Families will receive advance details, permission forms when required, transportation information, and opportunities for caregiver participation.
we also welcome caregivers and community members into our classroom to share their work, skills, cultures, and experiences.
we generally follow the edmonton public schools calendar for major holidays, seasonal breaks, professional-development days, and school closures.
bonnie doon playschool also has program-specific start dates, transition days, events, Bee Cleans, and year-end dates. Families should refer to the current Bonnie Doon Playschool calendar for the most accurate information.
everyday preschool life
the Early Learning Foundations runs Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30–11:45 a.m.
the Kindergarten Readiness runs Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:15–11:45 a.m.
the outside doors to the boot room open 15 minutes before class begins. This gives families time to come inside, put away belongings, and use the washroom before entering the classroom. The outside doors are locked shortly after class begins.
our mornings begin right away, so arriving on time helps children settle in alongside their classmates and begin the day feeling calm and connected.
both programs end at 11:45 a.m. Thank you for being ready to welcome your child at dismissal.
our mornings follow a familiar schedule, giving children the comfort of knowing what to expect and what comes next. Consistent routines help children feel secure, build independence, and move confidently through their day.
a typical morning includes arrival activities, a welcome circle, purposeful play and learning experiences, snack, movement and physical literacy, and a closing gathering.
while our routine remains consistent, the activities within it change as teachers respond to the children’s interests, ideas, and learning needs.
both preschool and daycare provide caring, nurturing environments where children can learn and grow, but they often meet different needs.
daycare typically provides extended care throughout the day, often for children of varying ages. Preschool is a part-day early learning program designed specifically for children in the years leading up to kindergarten.
at Bonnie Doon Playschool, children learn through purposeful play, hands-on exploration, and meaningful classroom experiences. They build confidence, independence, communication, and social skills while exploring age-appropriate concepts such as letters, sounds, numbers, patterns, early writing, and problem-solving.
our consistent routines, circle times, group learning, and collaborative activities help children become comfortable in a classroom setting. Both of our teachers bring experience from the school system, allowing us to thoughtfully support each child’s transition to kindergarten while keeping play at the heart of learning.
many families choose both daycare and preschool, giving their children the unique benefits of each.
absolutely. We have partnerships with select daycare programs that provide transportation to and from Bonnie Doon Playschool.
if your child attends daycare and you would also like them to experience our preschool program, ask your daycare provider whether transportation to Bonnie Doon may be available.
daycare providers and operators interested in partnering with us are invited to contact our School Operations Manager. We would be happy to explore how we can work together to support children and families in our community.
the outer doors open 15 minutes before class, giving families time to settle in without feeling rushed. Before entering the classroom, every child must use the washroom.
in the boot room, encourage your child to remove their outdoor gear, hang up their coat, find and put on their indoor shoes, and place their labelled snack bag in their cubby. Keeping snack bags in the designated cubbies ensures they are organized and easy for children to find at snack time. This predictable routine reduces confusion and helps children practise caring for their belongings independently.
offer help when needed while allowing your child time to try each task themselves. The boot room is an extension of our classroom, so please keep voices, movement, and activity calm. Caregivers remain with their child until the teachers open the classroom door and welcome students inside.
at dismissal, children are released only to an authorized adult. Please let us know in advance whenever possible if someone different will be picking up your child. Photo identification may be requested.
yes- children are always welcome to use the classroom washroom when needed. We ask every child to use the washroom before entering the classroom to reduce interruptions and help the group settle into the morning routine.
preschoolers often become interested in a washroom trip when they see a classmate going, which can quickly lead to long waits and missed classroom time. Using the washroom beforehand helps everyone begin comfortably while keeping visits during class available for children who need them.
our mornings begin as soon as the teachers open the classroom door, so arriving on time helps your child enter the routine alongside their classmates. Arriving late can make the transition more difficult and may mean missing an important part of the morning.
if you will be late, need to collect your child early, or experience an unexpected pickup delay, please contact the school as soon as possible.
children are released only to authorized adults, and photo identification may be requested. Your child will remain safely supervised until their approved caregiver arrives.
please let the teachers know as soon as possible if your child will be absent. Regular attendance helps children become familiar with classroom routines, strengthen relationships, and develop a sense of belonging.
consistency is especially helpful for children experiencing separation anxiety, as longer absences can interrupt their routine and make the transition back more difficult.
we understand that illness and family circumstances happen, and we appreciate families keeping us informed.
families provide a simple, healthy snack and water bottle each day. Pack the snack in a labelled lunch bag using containers your child can open and close independently. Lunch bags are placed in the children’s cubbies during arrival, while water bottles come into the classroom with the children.
all snacks must follow our nut-free policy. For health and safety reasons, children may not share food. Please reinforce this expectation at home, and we will do the same at preschool.
snack is also an important social part of our morning. Children practise managing their belongings, opening their containers, enjoying conversations, and spending time together as a classroom community.
we love helping children feel special on their birthday. Each birthday child is recognized with a simple classroom celebration and chooses a book from our birthday bin to take home. Children with summer birthdays are also celebrated before the school year ends.
to keep celebrations safe and inclusive for children with allergies and dietary needs, birthdays are celebrated without food treats.
movement and physical literacy are integrated throughout our program daily. Children participate in active indoor and outdoor experiences that build coordination, confidence, strength, and gross-motor skills.
outdoor play and community exploration take place when programming, weather, and conditions allow. Please send your child dressed for the weather and ready to move, explore, and sometimes get a little messy.
yes- children may participate in curriculum-connected field trips, nearby community walks, and special classroom visits throughout the year. Families will receive advance details, permission forms when required, transportation information, and opportunities for caregiver participation.
we also welcome caregivers and community members into our classroom to share their work, skills, cultures, and experiences.
we generally follow the edmonton public schools calendar for major holidays, seasonal breaks, professional-development days, and school closures.
bonnie doon playschool also has program-specific start dates, transition days, events, Bee Cleans, and year-end dates. Families should refer to the current Bonnie Doon Playschool calendar for the most accurate information.
health, safety, + support
please share all allergies, medical conditions and relevant care information when applying, and keep us informed of any changes throughout the year.
we will work with your family to understand your child’s needs and complete a healthcare plan, if applicable. If your child requires emergency medication, an emergency-medication authorization form must be completed before they attend.
families must provide a current, clearly labelled EpiPen and complete the required emergency-medication authorization form before their child attends.
EpiPens remain accessible during class and accompany children during off-site experiences. In an emergency, teachers will follow the child’s healthcare plan, administer the medication as authorized, call emergency services and contact the family.
please pack age-appropriate foods and prepare common choking hazards carefully. Grapes, cherry tomatoes, sausages and other round foods should be cut lengthwise into small pieces. Popcorn, hard candy and other high-risk foods should remain at home.
children remain seated and closely supervised while eating.
please keep your child home when they are unwell, may be contagious or cannot participate comfortably in the program. This includes symptoms such as fever, rash, vomiting, diarrhea or a significant change in their usual health or energy.
our parent handbook outlines specific illness and return-to-school requirements. When you are unsure, please contact the teachers before bringing your child to class.
please keep a complete, labelled change of clothing in your child’s cubby, including underwear, socks, a top and bottoms.
if clothing becomes wet, teachers will support your child in changing while protecting their privacy and dignity. If your child has a bowel movement accident, a caregiver will be contacted to come promptly and provide toileting care. Your child may return to class afterward when appropriate.
children do not all develop in the same way or on the same timeline. Our experienced teachers take time to understand how each child communicates, participates and learns, then use responsive strategies, predictable routines and appropriate adjustments to support them.
we stay connected with families so each child can feel safe, included and confident in the classroom.
behaviour is communication. Our trauma-informed teachers use warm relationships, predictable routines, co-regulation, redirection, and clear, age-appropriate expectations to help children feel safe and develop new skills.
when challenges continue, we work closely with the family to understand what the child may be communicating and develop consistent strategies together.
if a child cannot participate safely or comfortably, we will contact their caregiver and discuss what additional support may be needed.
the Ages + Stages Questionnaires®- ASQ®-3 and ASQ®:SE-2, are optional developmental screening tools that help families better understand their child’s development. Together, they consider communication, movement, problem-solving, personal-social and social-emotional development.
the ASQ®-3 and the ASQ®:SE-2 are not a test or diagnosis. They provide a snapshot that celebrates milestones and may identify areas where early support could be helpful. Recognizing needs early allows families to support developing skills and connect with helpful resources sooner.
results are shared privately with families, along with simple activities to support continued growth at home.
yes, if your child works with an outside agency, child development assistant, therapist or other support professional, please let us know when applying.
With family consent, we can communicate with the agency to understand your child’s needs, clarify roles and plan for a positive classroom experience. If your child requires a support person to attend safely, that person must be present during the program.
an exception to our toilet-training requirement may apply when a child development assistant assigned through an outside support agency attends with the child and provides their toileting support.
families + our co-operative
upcoming experiences, announcements, reminders and important classroom updates are shared by email. Photos and glimpses into what children are learning are shared through a private communication platform available only to enrolled families.
when an individual update would be helpful, teachers will connect with the family privately. Families are always welcome to reach out with questions about how their child is settling in, participating or progressing.
email is the best way to share routine questions or information about your child. Teachers do not respond to email during class time. Messages are checked and answered outside program hours.
brief updates are welcome at arrival. If your child has had a difficult morning or needs a little extra care, please let us know. For longer or private conversations, please email us to arrange a time to talk.
contact the teachers with questions about your child or the classroom. Registration and school-operation questions go to the School Operations Manager, while co-operative matters can be directed to the Board.
if you are unsure, send us a general message and we will direct it to the right person.
yes- families are an important part of our preschool community. Our spring Celebration of Learning and year-end celebration are open to parents, caregivers and extended family members.
families may also be invited to participate in other experiences throughout the year, including classroom visits to share their work, skills, cultures or interests. We love partnering with families and welcome opportunities to make children’s learning more meaningful.
event dates, times and participation details will be shared with families in advance.
we are a not-for-profit co-operative supported by professional staff, a volunteer Board of Directors and participating families.
families contribute through a volunteer role, Bee Clean and fundraising commitments for every child registered. These shared contributions help care for our school, enrich children’s experiences and keep tuition more affordable.
no- we do not require families to complete in-class duty days. Each class is led by the same two qualified and experienced educators, helping children build consistent, trusting relationships and feel secure in their classroom.
family volunteer roles take place outside regular classroom supervision and may support preparation, learning materials, events, fundraising, technology or school operations.
volunteer roles support classroom preparation, learning materials, special events, fundraising, technology and school operations- with no in-class duty days. Each family completes one role for every child they have registered.
before the program begins, families receive a form to share their top three preferences. We work with each family to find a role that suits their schedule, availability and family commitments. While first choices cannot always be guaranteed, our goal is to make volunteering manageable and meaningful.
families participate in two fundraisers during non-casino years and one during casino years. Fundraisers may include product sales, community initiatives, and our spring raffle, which features items generously donated by local businesses and organizations.
funds raised help support classroom materials, special learning experiences, and school operations. Detailed family commitments are outlined during registration and in the Parent Handbook.
if you own or represent a local business or organization and would like to contribute to our raffle, we would be grateful for your support and happy to recognize your business through our social media channels.
casino fundraisers are generally held every other year and provide important funding for our school. During casino years, families provide one casino volunteer for every child they have registered.
casino participation is separate from the annual fundraiser and is an important part of each family’s co-operative commitment.
the Annual General Meeting is a yearly meeting for the playschool’s member families. The Board shares updates about school operations, finances and plans for the coming year. Members also elect the Board of Directors and vote on matters that require membership approval.
each member family has one vote. The meeting date, agenda and voting information will be shared in advance.
Bonnie Doon Playschool is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors elected by member families. The Board provides financial oversight, ensures regulatory compliance and guides the school’s long-term direction.
our professional leadership team and educators manage daily operations, educational programming and classroom decisions.
families support the playschool through their co-operative commitments but are not responsible for managing the classroom or supervising children.
the current Parent Handbook is available here and through the Registration Essentials section of our website. It includes detailed information about school policies, family responsibilities, health and safety, attendance, fees and daily procedures.
bonnie
doon
playschool
info
8631 81 Street NW
Edmonton, AB
T6C 2V9
587-594-7414
charity ID: 503357089
rooted in kindness, connection, + belonging