Kindergarten

Register with GECDSB

Your Child must be 4 years of age on or before December 31, 2025 to attend Junior Kindergarten. To attend Senior Kindergarten, your child must be 5 years of age on or before December 31, 2025. 

• 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.)

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.

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

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 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.

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!

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