The Green Circle Preschool

The Green Circle Preschool is a Canadian nonprofit cooperative preschool located in Edmonton, Alberta, serving children aged 3 to 5 years old. It is registered under the Business Registration Number 886586791RR0001. The organization is dedicated to providing accessible early childhood education with a strong emphasis on outdoor play and parent involvement.

History and Structure

Green Circle Preschool operates as a cooperative, which allows parents to actively participate in their child's early education and in the management of the preschool. This cooperative model helps keep the program affordable and accessible to families by relying on a combination of monthly tuition fees and parent-led fundraising activities such as casinos and bottle drives.

Educational Philosophy and Curriculum

The preschool's program emphasizes a play-based, child-centered approach that fosters intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development. Respect for others, self-reliance, and healthy social skills are actively taught. Children engage in a variety of activities that enhance fine motor skills through manipulative tasks and gross motor skills through daily outdoor play. Outdoor activities include climbing, sliding, jumping, running, and interaction with nature, which fulfills recommended learning outcomes for preschool children.

Green Circle Preschool encourages children to develop independence at their own pace, including skills like putting on and removing outdoor clothing. The curriculum incorporates sensory play, science experiments, letter and number recognition, and seasonal themes, all while maintaining an environment that respects individual expression and self-worth. Special occasions such as birthdays, holidays, and graduation ceremonies for children transitioning to kindergarten are also celebrated.

Programs and Schedule

The preschool offers flexible attendance options:

• Two days per week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) for 3-year-olds,
• Three days per week (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays) for 4-year-olds,
• Five days per week for those seeking a full-week program.

Classes run from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., providing a structured yet nurturing environment.

Community and Impact

Parents and guardians frequently praise Green Circle Preschool for its caring teachers, small class sizes, and positive learning atmosphere. The cooperative model fosters a strong sense of community and involvement, making it a welcoming environment for families. The focus on outdoor play and nature exploration is highly valued by parents, as is the preparation for kindergarten and beyond.

Recognition

The Green Circle Preschool Association is recognized as a registered charity by the Canada Revenue Agency, complying with all regulatory requirements for nonprofit organizations in Canada.

This comprehensive approach to early childhood education, combining cooperative governance, outdoor experiential learning, and a supportive community environment, makes Green Circle Preschool a distinctive and valued institution in Edmonton’s educational landscape.

[1] https://greencirclepreschool.com [2] https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/the-green-circle-preschool-association/ [3] https://greencirclepreschool.com/registration [4] https://www.neverbounce.com/company/green-circle-preschool/363767042/info [5] https://www.kidpid.com/best-preschool-and-childcare-in-edmonton-alberta-canada/