Question 1

What age can my child start at Building Blocks?

Accepted Answer

Children must be at least 2½ years old when they start. Our Preschool Program is for 2- and 3-year-olds, Junior Kindergarten follows, and Senior Kindergarten runs consecutively with JK, so children complete JK with us first. We find all children love their time with us. Some need time to adjust to being apart from their parents, and a few need a parent to stay briefly at first. Many families go on to enrol a second child at a younger age.

Question 2

Do I choose 2, 3 or 5 half days a week?

Accepted Answer

It is the parents' decision which program their child attends. Children adjust to whichever schedule they come on, so choose the pattern that works for your family.

Question 3

What are the class sizes and ratios?

Accepted Answer

The preschool class runs at an 8-to-1 student-teacher ratio. Children with special needs must be accompanied by a resource or assistant teacher.

Question 4

Who are the teachers and how are they qualified?

Accepted Answer

The school was founded in 1986 to address the lack of quality early childhood programs in the area. Over the years we have added staff with special-needs and elementary teaching experience. Our current team includes registered early childhood educators and support staff who pursue ongoing training and hold current First Aid certification.

Question 5

What do you do in circle time?

Accepted Answer

There are three circle times at Building Blocks. The opening circle brings the whole class together with a consistent routine. A midday small-group circle gathers children of similar ages to work on colours, counting, calendar time and turn-taking; attendance is required. The closing circle ends the session with games and songs.

Question 6

How is the Preschool Program integrated with JK and SK?

Accepted Answer

Both programs run separately, however we follow the same weekly themes. Each group has age-appropriate circle time and art, and the whole school comes together for certain field trips, holiday celebrations and events.

Question 7

What are the session times?

Accepted Answer

Morning sessions run 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and afternoon sessions 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday. Preschool runs mornings and afternoons; JK and SK run in the morning. See our programs for details.

Question 8

Are you part of CWELCC? Is subsidy available?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Building Blocks is enrolled in the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) agreement, which lowers fees for eligible families, and the Region of Peel provides fee subsidy to eligible parents. See fees and subsidy for links and details.

Question 9

How are fees paid?

Accepted Answer

One month of fees is due at registration by e-transfer and is applied to your first month. After that, fees are collected monthly, one month in advance, through our Parent App. Full details are on the fees page.

Question 10

What if the class is full?

Accepted Answer

You can join our free waiting list for the current school year, in person, by email or by phone. Check in on the first of each month and attend the spring open house to keep your place. Vacancies are offered in order of application date and age. Read the waiting list policy.

Question 11

What should my child bring each day?

Accepted Answer

A change of clothes, labelled outerwear and footwear, and nothing else: toys, gum and candy stay at home. Artwork comes home every day. See the daily reminders.

Question 12

What happens on snow days?

Accepted Answer

We close when Peel District School Board schools close for severe weather. Closure notices go out through the Parent App newsfeed and by email, and fees for unplanned closures are not refunded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Building Blocks at a glance

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