What documents are required to register for kindergarten?

Registering your child for kindergarten in Calgary is an important step for every family, especially for newcomers. To ensure that the process goes quickly and smoothly, it is important to prepare a complete set of documents in advance. Below is a list of the main documents that are usually required by licensed kindergartens in Calgary, as well as specific requirements for different categories of families.

1. Basic list of documents for kindergarten registration

1.1. Child's birth certificate

  • An official document confirming the child's identity and date of birth.
  • If the document is not in English, an official translation may be required.

1.2. Immigration documents or proof of citizenship

  • For newcomers: copies of work permit, study permit, Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET), proof of permanent or temporary status, permanent resident card, IRCC documents.
  • For Canadian citizens: passport or citizenship certificate.
  • Similar documents may be required for parents/guardians.

1.3. Child's vaccination passport (immunization card)

  • A document confirming that all necessary vaccinations are up to date in accordance with Alberta provincial requirements.
  • In some cases, you may be asked to provide your child's medical records or a health certificate, information about allergies, special needs, medications.

1.4. Proof of address

  • Rental or purchase agreement, utility bill, bank statement, receipt for rent payment for the current month.
  • The document must include the name of one of the parents/guardians and the address in Calgary.

1.5. Documents proving the identity of parents/guardians

  • Passport, ID card, driver's license.
  • Some programs may require a copy of your SIN (Social Insurance Number) or work permit.

1.6. Completed kindergarten registration form

  • Each daycare center has its own registration form, which must be completed separately for each child.
  • The form contains the child's personal information, contact information, medical information, and parents' information.

1.7. Payment of the registration fee and first month's tuition

  • In most daycare centers, registration is confirmed by paying the registration fee (usually CAD 100–150) and/or the first month's tuition.

2. Additional documents and special cases

2.1. Medical information

  • Information about allergies, chronic illnesses, special dietary requirements.
  • Contact information for the family doctor, child's medical card numbe.

2.2. Certificates for special categories

  • For children with special needs – recommendations from a doctor, psychologist, or specialist.
  • For guardians – documents confirming guardianship (if the parents are not biological).

2.3. Translation of documents

  • If documents are not in English, an official translation must be provided.

3. If you do not have all the documents

  • If you have just arrived in Canada and do not have all the documents, the daycare center may temporarily register your child and ask you to provide the missing documents as soon as they become available.
  • It is important to inform the daycare administration about the situation and adhere to the agreed deadlines.

4. Where to find information and get help?

  • Child Care Look-up Tool – an online service for finding licensed daycares and learning about registration requirements[1].
  • Child Care Connect – a free helpline for advice: 1-844-644-5165.
  • Ukrainian communities and information guides can help with translation, preparing documents, and finding daycare centers.

5. Sample list of documents for daycare registration

Document Required/if necessary
Child's birth certificate Required
Immigration documents/status confirmation Required
Vaccination card (immunization card) Required
Proof of address Required
Parent/guardian ID Required
Completed kindergarten registration form Required
Registration fee/first month's payment Required
Medical information, certificates If necessary
Guardianship/special needs documents If necessary
Official translation of documents If necessary

Conclusion

To register your child for kindergarten in Calgary, you need to prepare a standard set of documents: birth certificate, immigration documents or proof of citizenship, vaccination record, proof of address, parent ID, medical information, completed registration form, and payment of the registration fee. If some documents are missing, the kindergarten may temporarily enroll the child with the intention of completing the paperwork later, but it is important to notify the administration in advance. Use official services and Ukrainian communities for assistance and advice.