Frequently Asked Questions
Our Program
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We offer several enrollment options designed to meet the individual needs of children and their families. CELD operates Monday through Friday. Families can choose from full week– 5 days or 4 days per week depending on availability and program session. Our classroom operates in distinct morning and afternoon sessions, allowing us to maintain cohesive peer groups where children can form deep connections.
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We view curriculum as everything that happens during our time together with the children. Rather than moving through a rigid schedule, our days follow a predictable yet flexible rhythm that honors long stretches of uninterrupted time for play and discovery.
Guided by the Flight curriculum, Reggio Emilia approach, STEM exploration, and Rhizomatic learning, a session involves:
The Gathering: A morning or afternoon meeting where we practice active listening, share ideas, and co-create our intentions for the day.
Emergent Project Work: Open-ended and purposeful intentional time where children explore variety of materials, test theories, and dive into inquiries driven entirely by their curiosity.
Collaborative Reflection: A time to slow down, reflect on the day’s inquiries, revisit our learning documentation, and anchor a peaceful transition from preschool to home.
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Yes; we ask families to pack a wholesome, nut-free snack and a reusable labelled water bottle for your child. We view snack time not just as nourishment, but as a beautiful ritual of community, conversation, and developing independent self-care skills.
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We believe independent toileting supports a child's autonomy in a preschool setting. Children must be fully toilet trained before beginning at CELD. This allows the children to participate confidently in all daily activities and supports smooth daily transitions.
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We believe that learning is visible. Inspired by the philosophy of Reggio Emilia, our educators carefully observe, listen, and document children's play and questions. We share this learning journey with you through rich pedagogical documentation, digital learning portfolios, and dedicated family-educator conferences designed to reflect on your child's evolving theories, relationships, and creative expressions.
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We view the family as the child's first teacher and actively welcome parent partnership in our program. While we love inviting families to share their unique talents, cultural traditions, or join us for community celebrations, we do not require mandatory volunteer hours or service commitments to maintain enrolment.
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To protect the integrity of our classroom rhythm and ensure our educators are fully prepared to greet each child, we ask that families adhere strictly to our designated session windows. If an unexpected delay or exception occurs, please reach out to our administrative team as early as possible so we can support your family seamlessly.
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Absolutely. We believe that building a strong, meaningful relationship with the natural world is fundamental to childhood. We see the outdoor environment as a vital "third teacher," offering rich sensory experiences, healthy physical risk-taking, and endless opportunities for ecological stewardship. Children explore our outdoor spaces daily, rain or shine, and should come dressed for joyful, messy discovery
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No. Fundraising is entirely optional. While we may occasionally host community-building events or optional creative initiatives to enrich our learning environments, financial participation is never expected or required.
Facility and Staffing
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Our learning community is located in Edmonton, Alberta. For specific details regarding our preschool layout, secure entry points, and neighborhood parking guidelines for drop-off and pick-up times, please visit our dedicated contact page.
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Our staff are skilled and experienced educators with specialization, degree or diploma in early childhood education. They have chosen CELD because they are committed to a Reggio Emilia approach embedded in STEM learning and are excited about co-creating curriculum along side the children.
Every educator at CELD maintains active certifications in First Aid and CPR. Our team engages in continuous professional development, receive ongoing training through attending workshops and conferences.
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We view social conflict not as a disruption, but as a rich, natural opportunity to practice empathy, perspective-taking, and critical thinking. Our educators do not use punitive measures; instead, we step in as co-regulators. We listen actively to all perspectives, help children name their feelings, and guide them to co-create fair, compassionate solutions alongside their peers.
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Yes, we warmly embrace and celebrate linguistic and cultural diversity. Language is an expansive tool, and in a Reggio-inspired environment, children communicate through
"a hundred languages" including art, movement, building, and play. Our inquiry-based space uses rich visual contexts, storytelling, and supportive peer interactions to ensure multi-language learners feel seen, respected, and fully valued.
Registration
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Our admissions process is designed to be intentional yet seamless. Families are invited to submit an initial inquiry through our online admissions portal. Once received, our administration will connect with you to share our digital enrollment package, review cohort availability, and welcome you into our preschool community.
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Tuition rates are structured based on the specific schedule and number of days your child is enrolled each week. To view our current fee schedule or to request a customized breakdown for your preferred cohort, please contact our administrative office - info@celd.ca
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Yes. As a fully licensed preschool program in Edmonton, our families have access to provincial childcare affordability grants and subsidies. Our administrative team is entirely available to assist you with the necessary documentation to ensure these cost-reductions are seamlessly applied to your account.
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Absolutely. While our physical space is located within a school building, CELD is a fully inclusive, non-faith-based program. We welcome families from all backgrounds, cultures, and belief systems.
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To protect the well-being of our entire learning community, we maintain a thoughtful wellness policy aligned with Alberta Health Services. We ask that children experiencing acute symptoms (such as fever, cough or vomiting, diarrhea) rest at home until they are entirely symptom free for 24 to 48 hours.