How to find a kindergarten in Calgary?

Finding a daycare in Calgary is one of the most important tasks for families with young children, especially for newcomers. The choice of daycare affects not only the comfort of the child, but also the peace of mind of parents, their ability to work, and their ability to adapt to life in Canada more quickly. In this article, you will find a detailed overview of the types of preschools in Calgary, how to find one, registration requirements, costs, and useful resources.

1. What types of preschools are there in Calgary?

There are various preschool education institutions in Calgary, which can be divided into the following categories:

  • Licensed public preschools - operated under the supervision of the Alberta government, meet safety and hygiene standards, and have educational programs for language development, literacy, and social and emotional skills. They accept children from 8 months to 6 years of age. Teachers have a teaching degree.
  • Private kindergartens - can be full-time or part-time. They often offer additional classes (languages, arts, sports).
  • Home-based kindergartens - small groups (up to 6 children) organized in private homes. The teacher takes special courses and obtains a license.
  • Ukrainian-language and bilingual kindergartens - for example, “Sadok” in Calgary, where classes are conducted in Ukrainian and English, and new Ukrainian-language home-based kindergartens are opening.
  • Child development centers - offer short-term programs, clubs, school preparation, creative and sports activities.

2. How to find a kindergarten in Calgary?

2.1 Official online resources

  • Child Care Look-up Tool is the main online service for finding licensed kindergartens in your area. Just enter your address and you will receive a list of all available kindergartens, their programs, ages of children, schedules, inspection results, and contact information.
  • Child Care Connect is a free hotline (1-844-644-5165) where you can get advice on choosing a kindergarten, find out about availability, programs, and registration requirements.

2.2 Direct contact with preschools

  • Contact the selected institutions directly (via their website, email, or phone) to check availability, sign up for a tour, and obtain registration documents.

2.3 Ukrainian and bilingual preschools

  • Look for information on the websites of Ukrainian community organizations, social media, and portals for Ukrainians in Calgary (for example, [Sadochok - Calgary], [Kinderville Pro], [Ukrainian.us], [Instagram).
  • Pay attention to news about the opening of new Ukrainian-language kindergartens — their number is growing along with demand in the community.

3. What documents are required for registration?

To enroll your child in a kindergarten in Calgary, you usually need to prepare:

  • A completed application form (available at the kindergarten or on the website).
  • The child's birth certificate.
  • Medical records and vaccination certificate.
  • Information about the child's health, special needs, and allergies.
  • Proof of address (rental/purchase agreement, utility bill).
  • For private kindergartens, you will need to pay a registration fee (usually CAD 100–150) and the first month's tuition or a portion thereof.
  • Ukrainian-language kindergartens may have additional requirements, such as an interview with parents.

4. How much do kindergartens cost in Calgary?

  • The average cost of a kindergarten for children aged 2.5–5 years is CAD 810 per month (Calgary is one of the most expensive cities in Canada).
  • The cost depends on the type of kindergarten (public, private, home-based), the length of stay (full/part-time), and additional services.
  • Some kindergartens are open 24/7 and are suitable for parents who work shifts.
  • For low-income families or newcomers, there are government subsidies to help pay for kindergarten - you can find out about them through Child Care Connect or directly at the kindergarten.

5. What to look for when choosing a kindergarten?

  • License and accreditation - having an official license guarantees compliance with safety, hygiene, and program quality standards.
  • Qualifications of teachers - licensed institutions employ teachers with appropriate education.
  • Development program - is there an emphasis on language, emotional, and physical development, as well as preparation for school?
  • Language of communication - if it is important to preserve the Ukrainian language, choose bilingual or Ukrainian-speaking kindergartens.
  • Meals - are they included in the price, or do you need to bring food from home?
  • Parent reviews - look for recommendations in communities, forums, and social networks.
  • Schedule - are the opening/closing times convenient for you?

6. Ukrainian and bilingual preschools in Calgary

  • Sadochok - Calgary - the only official Ukrainian-language preschool in Calgary for children aged 3–5. The program is open to all children, regardless of their family's language.
  • Kinderville Pro - an international network of children's centers with Ukrainian-speaking early development groups in Calgary.
  • Home-based Ukrainian-speaking kindergartens - new facilities are opening in various areas of the city, for example, on Shannon Sq (hours from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Ukrainian meals).
  • Private kindergartens with Ukrainian teachers - search through Ukrainian communities, advertisements, social networks.

7. Useful resources and contacts

  • Child Care Look-up Tool - official kindergarten search service
  • Child Care Connect - 1-844-644-5165 (free consultation)
  • Sadochok - Calgary - [ukrainianpreschool.ca]
  • Kinderville Pro - [Instagram Kinderville Pro Calgary]
  • Ukrainian communities and groups on Facebook, Telegram
  • Cedarbrae Childcare Centre - [cedarbraechildcare.com]
  • Ukrainian.us - [Services for children in Calgary]

Conclusion

Finding a kindergarten in Calgary is possible for every family, regardless of citizenship or English proficiency. Use official online tools, contact preschools directly, and consult with Ukrainian communities. Choose a facility that best suits your values, schedule, and your child's needs. Don't forget about the possibility of receiving subsidies and the advantages of Ukrainian-speaking or bilingual preschools for preserving your native language and culture.