School District No. 83 (North Okanagan-Shuswap)

Full day kindergarten with gradual entry

A high quality, play-based Kindergarten program has long-term benefits for children’s academic and social skills and helps them to succeed in school and in life. Full day kindergarten is another step towards building a strong foundation for lifelong learning, in a nurturing, play-based environment.  Starting in 2010, the Ministry of Education began phasing in universal access over two years. Full day kindergarten is now available for all five-year-olds in the province.

In SD83, Kindergarten children are welcomed into their new school at the beginning of September by their classroom teacher and other key staff members using the Gradual Entry model. Students will attend in small groups and/or for shorter periods of time based on the schedule sent home to parents.

The gradual entry process, which is supported by SD83’s early childhood learning professionals, helps support a smooth and successful transition into Kindergarten. Teachers will be introducing children to classroom routines and procedures and helping the students adjust to the new social and emotional realities of school. 

For information on how to register your child for kindergarten please click here.

 For more information about early learning programs, please contact Allison de Boer, Early Learning and Child Care District Vice-Principal, at adeboer@sd83.bc.ca .