Program Schedule, Descriptions, & Eligibility

🌟Discovery Program (Sept–June)

The Discovery Program is designed for our youngest learners, ages 2–3, who are not quite ready for a solo preschool experience. This parented class offers a gentle introduction to the classroom, allowing children to explore early learning alongside a parent or caregiver in a supportive environment.

It’s ideal for children who are not yet toilet trained, may experience separation anxiety, or are too young or on the waitlist for the weekday PREP Program. Parents actively participate in the classroom, gaining valuable insights and strategies they can use to support learning at home.

🌟 Program Highlights

• A parent or caregiver attends with the child, guided by a certified Early Learning Educator

• Children enjoy songs, games, and purposeful activities that build early social, motor, and learning skills

• Students are introduced to JumpStart’s regular curriculum in a nurturing, parented format

• Parents gain practical strategies to extend learning beyond the classroom

• Families receive Priority Registration for the PREP Program the following year (extended to siblings as well)

✅ Bottom Line

The Discovery Program helps little ones take their first confident steps into structured learning while keeping parents closely involved. By the end of the year, children are better prepared — socially, emotionally, and academically — to transition into the PREP Program.

✏️ PREP Program (Sept–June)

The PREP Program is the perfect bridge between early play-based learning and our more advanced Scholars curriculum. Designed for children ages 3–4, PREP helps students gain the skills, routines, and confidence they need to thrive as independent learners — while keeping the joy of early childhood at the center.

Children “play with purpose” through pre-planned centres, small-group instruction, and guided activities that prepare them for the next stage of their learning journey. Parents also receive progress updates that clearly show how their child is developing in key areas.

🌟 Program Highlights

• Strengthens fine motor skills and introduces early letter and sound recognition

• Builds phonemic awareness and other essential pre-reading skills

• Balances daily worksheets with hands-on centres to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity

• Provides structured routines that help children practice independence in a classroom setting

• Parents receive 4 Progress Reports per year using JumpStart’s proprietary assessment tool based on Kindergarten and Grade 1 outcomes

• Families enjoy Priority Registration for the Scholars Program the following year (extended to siblings as well)

✅ Bottom Line

PREP is where children take their first steps into structured, independent learning while still enjoying a playful, supportive environment. By the end of the year, students are prepared — academically, socially, and emotionally — to transition confidently into the Scholars Program.

📚 Scholars Program (Sept–June)

The Scholars Program is the heart of JumpStart’s curriculum — a structured, academic-based early learning program that prepares children ages 4–5 for success in Kindergarten and Grade 1. All Scholars tiers follow the same high-quality curriculum in literacy, numeracy, phonics, writing, and social development. The difference lies in the frequency of attendance, which determines the pace, practice, and depth of learning.

At this age, routine and repetition are key — the more often children engage, the stronger their skills grow. That’s why families can choose from several flexible formats:

Scholars I – Foundations (1 Day/Week)

• Introductory exposure to literacy and numeracy at a gentle pace

• Perfect for busy families or those wanting a Saturday option

• A flexible way to give children a solid start without a large weekly commitment

Scholars II – Core (2 Days/Week)

• Builds steady routines with consistent practice twice per week

• Students strengthen early reading, writing, and math skills

• Includes 1 off-site field trip to extend classroom learning

Scholars III – Enriched (3 Days/Week)

• Our most popular format and the standard pacing of the Scholars curriculum

• Concepts are introduced, practiced, and reviewed more often for stronger retention

• Provides balance: regular structure while leaving time for family and play

• Includes 2 enriching field trips

Scholars V – Elite (Ultimate Kinder Experience, 5 Days/Week)

• The most comprehensive option, closely mirroring a full Kindergarten program

• Same curriculum as Scholars III but with additional activities, lessons, and practice across five days

• Offers more one-on-one teacher time and deeper mastery of every concept

• Can serve as a Kindergarten replacement or supplement (since public Kindergarten is optional in Alberta)

• Includes 4 off-site field trips for extended learning opportunities

✅ Bottom Line

Every Scholars tier provides your child with the academic foundations needed for school success. Families who choose higher tiers (III or V) benefit from stronger routines, more one-on-one opportunities, and deeper enrichment — but even one day per week helps children build confidence, skills, and social connections.

www.jumpstartlearning.ca/summer-program

🌞 Level UP! – Enriched School Readiness Program

• 6-week commitment (choose 2, 3, or 5 days per week)

• Closely mirrors our regular September–June curriculum, with added summer fun

• Lesson plans are cumulative and build from week to week — perfect for preparing children for PreK, Kindergarten, or Grade 1

• Students work on literacy, phonics, numeracy, and social skills while enjoying arts, crafts, games, and centre activities

• Teachers provide structured guidance and review so every child is ready to start the new school year with confidence

Best for: Families looking for consistent routine and a strong academic boost before the next grade level.

🌈 Level UP! – Enriched Weekly Themes

• Flexible weekly enrollment (pick 1 or more weeks, 1–5 days per week)

• Each week has a unique theme with its own lesson plans

• Lessons are not cumulative — children can jump in at any point and still benefit

• Includes the same blend of literacy, numeracy, and social development skills, but in a lighter, themed format

• Ideal for introducing new students to JumpStart or keeping current students engaged during the summer

Best for: Families needing flexibility over the summer or wanting enrichment without a long-term commitment.

✅ Bottom Line:

Whether you choose the structured 6-week School Readiness program or the flexible weekly Theme option, your child will continue to grow in literacy, numeracy, social skills, and creativity — while having a blast with peers in a safe, engaging environment.

Every child — and every family schedule — is unique. All Scholars tiers follow the same high-quality curriculum, but the number of days each week determines the pace, practice, and depth of learning. Use this guide to help decide:

Choose Scholars I – Foundations (1 Day/Week) if…

• You want a gentle introduction to structured learning.

• Your family can only commit to one day per week, even a Saturday option.

• You want your child to begin building literacy and numeracy without a large weekly commitment.

Choose Scholars II – Core (2 Days/Week) if…

• You want your child to develop a steady routine with consistent practice.

• You’d like more reinforcement than one day provides, but still want flexibility during the week.

• A good balance between academic exposure and family scheduling is your goal.

Choose Scholars III – Enriched (3 Days/Week) if…

• You want the most popular option with stronger routines and deeper practice.

• Your child thrives with more structure and repeated review of key concepts.

• You want added experiences like 2 field trips for enrichment.

• You’re seeking the best balance of academic growth, routine, and family time.

Choose Scholars V – Elite (Ultimate Kinder Experience, 5 Days/Week) if…

• You want the most comprehensive option, closely mirroring full Kindergarten.

• Your child is ready for daily structure and deeper mastery of every concept.

• You’d like more one-on-one teacher time and extended practice.

• You’re looking for a Kindergarten replacement or supplement (since public Kindergarten is optional in Alberta).

• You want your child to benefit from 3 field trips and the richest learning opportunities.

✅ Bottom Line

• Foundations (1 day) → Flexible starter

• Core (2 days) → Steady routine

• Enriched (3 days) → Most popular, balanced growth

• Elite (5 days) → Ultimate, Kindergarten-level experience

Every choice provides children with academic foundations and social confidence — the more days you attend, the more routine, practice, and enrichment your child receives.

Absolutely — many families choose 2 days per week as a starting point, especially if they’re unsure how their child will adjust to being in class without a parent. Even with 2 days, your child will be introduced to our full curriculum and start building independence, early literacy, and social skills.

That said, we often find that children settle into routine faster with 3 or 5 days. At this age, routine and repetition make a huge difference:

• With more days, children adapt more quickly to classroom expectations.

• Transitions to full-time Kindergarten feel easier and more natural.

• Skills are reinforced more often, so children build confidence faster.

In fact, in provinces like Ontario, children begin 5 days per week at age 4 — and around the world, this is the standard. Our Scholars Elite (5-day) program mirrors this model, giving children the ultimate head start and easing the adjustment to Grade 1.

👉 If your family’s schedule or finances fit better with 2 days, it’s still a strong choice — and you’ll always have the option to upgrade to 3 or 5 days once you see how well your child is doing. Many families start at 2 days, then move up once their child is thriving and eager for more.

That said, routine and repetition are key for young learners. Children who attend more frequently (3 or 5 days) benefit from:

• Stronger routines that mirror the structure of Kindergarten.

• More consistent practice in literacy, numeracy, and social skills.

• Easier transitions to full-time school, because the 5-day routine already feels familiar.

✅ Bottom line: While 2 or 3 days are effective and valuable, families who choose 3 or 5 days often find that their child’s confidence, independence, and readiness for the Kindergarten schedule skyrocket — making the transition smoother and less stressful for everyone.