FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

For preschool children aged 2 ½ to 4 years old.   

The programs are for children 2 ½ years old by September of registering year. 

At Katimavik Cooperative Nursery School each child will be accepted as a unique individual and will be encouraged to develop his or her full potential at his or her own pace. 

The school is located inside Katimavik Elementary School, at 64 Chimo Drive in Kanata.  The preschool room is located down the hall to the right of the school’s front door entrance. 

We have a program available in 2, 3 or 5 day enrollments. Two day program is Tuesday and Thursday, Three day program is Monday, Wednesday and Friday and the five day program is Monday through Friday. Please refer to the Registration Page for our current tuition fees. 

9:00am to 11:30am Monday through Friday. 

The school year begins in September and finishes near the end of June.  The school will be closed on the same holiday schedule used by the Ottawa–Carleton District School Board, excluding PD days, when we remain open.  

Please refer to the Registration page for current information on tuition fees.

In addition a non-refundable registration fee of $60.00 is required at the time of registration

Parents must give one month’s notice for withdrawal from our program or forfeit one month’s fee.

Our program allows for 16 students with two qualified educators, which is a 1:8 ratio

Katimavik Co-operative Nursery School (KCNS) strives to offer a warm, nurturing and inclusive environment for preschool children. Our professional staff will provide a stimulating and nurturing program that will vary and evolve according to the needs and interests of each group of children.  

While combining “How Does Learning Happen”, ELECT programming and Emergent Curriculum, we are able to provide a variety of experiences to help the children develop their skills in areas of language, cognitive, physical, social development and self regulation. Each child will be accepted as a unique individual and KCNS, together with the families, will encourage each child to develop at their own pace to reach his or her potential. The staff will foster independence and self-esteem through play and each child will be encouraged to develop their social skills through interactions with peers and adults. KCNS recognizes that parents are their child’s first teachers. The school aims to provide children with a positive environment for a formal learning experience outside of the home.  

As a co-operative, parents are an integral part of the school and, by working closely with the teachers a supportive relationship is developed between the nursery school and families. 

The children are greeted by one of the teachers and then it is off to free play, with prepared play spaces with weekly thematic play. Then there’s a pause for the washroom routine. With the children’s help, clean up is done and the children gather at a large circle focusing on songs, fingerplays, cognitive activities, games, felt board activities, stories and so much more. Next, the children gather around the table for a nutritious snack. The day ends with outdoor play, unless precluded by weather.

Some examples of regular areas throughout the school year are: 

  • Nature  

  • Puzzles 

  • Blocks 

  • Cars & Trucks 

  • Gross Motor play 

  • Sand and Water play areas 

  • Dress-Up/ Pretend Play 

  • Play Dough 

  • Arts & Crafts 

There are approximately three field trips planned each year. Participation in field trips requires the parents/guardians to transport and supervise their child during this activity. Parents wanting to volunteer in the classroom OR attend field trips must have a clear criminal records check for vulnerable persons

Children do not need to be toilet trained to register at KCNS. We will assist, at your direction, in helping your child with toilet training during their time at preschool. 

As your child is learning this important skill, we realize accidents happen, and encourage you to pack a change of clothes for your child.   

Yes, we register on a first come, first serve basis.  If a spot is available, your child can start during the school year.  The monthly tuition would be prorated, depending on the start date.   

Please send your children in comfortable, washable clothing.  Slip-on shoes and boots that are easy to get on and off are preferred.  Remember that we are working on independence and clothing that fits and is easy to remove is important.  Please bring a pair of indoor shoes for inclement weather and for the winter months.  Please label all clothing. 

Please send a spare set of clothing and socks in your child’s bag and a water bottle. All clothing, including socks and underwear, should be labeled please. 

Assume we are going out to play at the end of every class and dress your child accordingly. 

  1. Staffed by two experienced and certified Early Childhood Educators who return year after year with innovative ideas and who are caring and loving towards all children

  2. The sense of community and family fostered at the preschool

  3. It is a wonderful, fun place for your child with lots of different centres to explore and daily outdoor time 

Parents are an integral part of the school and by working closely with the teachers a supportive relationship is developed between the nursery school and our families.  The successful operation of a co-operative school depends on the involvement of its member families. Your contribution is key to the school's success.   

Each member of the co-operative is required to share in the work of the school.  All families will be scheduled for a snack duty, approximately every other month, and may be required to participate in fundraising or other school events.

Each family must indicate at the time of registration its preference to participate on a committee or serve on the KCNS Executive. 

Also, members (at least one parent) are required to attend the Annual General Meeting and Information Night in September.  It is a great opportunity to meet the teachers, the Executive & other parents. 

Families are scheduled to provide snack for all students in their child’s class approximately once every other month. Parents are required to provide a healthy, nut free snack for all children, to be dropped off with their child at the beginning of class. (All food preparation needs to be done at home for example, cutting cheese, washing and cutting fruit and veggies etc.).  

Parents are responsible for bringing their snack on their designated day.

No, there are not any duty day commitments at KCNS.  However, any parent who enjoys volunteering in the classroom for a duty day may still do so on their scheduled “snack duty day”. Alternatively, they can talk with the teachers about setting up any other day or days that would work for them. Parents are still encouraged to be involved during class time if they would like to be and are welcomed to stay when they can, provided they have a valid CRC/VSC on file at the school.