TDSB kindergarten Registration Month is here
There was a point in our lives when we thought we’d never get out of that kindie playground. We spent years dropping off and picking up the littles before all day kindergarten kicked in. Lots of back and forth and a few precious hours in between. Now, with 4 of our kids in high school and one already off at university, kindergarten feels like a lifetime ago.
Luckily for you, the TDSB Kindergarten Registration process is getting easier every year. The registration for English programs begins in February and you can choose between online registration or booking an appointment at your local school.
how to register for kindergarten
All children that will be turning 4 by December 31, 2023 are able to attend a junior kindergarten program in the City of Toronto in September of this year. If you are new to Toronto and not sure which grade to register for, just contact your schools principal or vice-principal and they will be able to assist you.
Looking to send your child to the local school within your catchment area? It's pretty straight forward. To find your local school for the Toronto District School Board (or Toronto Catholic District School Board ) you just need to enter your address and then register in-person or online.
To register for any Toronto District School Board program you will need proof of age (birth certificate/passport), address (2 pieces of I.D that show address) and your child's immunization record. If you don't have the necessary documentation you can contact the admissions office at the TDSB.
If you are hoping to send your wee one to a school that is not your designated local school you can apply for optional attendance. Many schools in Toronto are closed for optional attendance due to crowding but you can contact your school of choice and find out what their current status is.
There are also many other programs offered by the TDSB including home schooling, alternative schools and academic academies .
Oh, and get used to using loads of acronyms, the board loves them! (FDK, LOI, EQAO, DPA, ECE, FEX, IEP, HSP...you'll be throwing these terms around in no time.)
French Immersion
The board has changed the French immersion programs over the last few years and now offers an Early French Immersion program that starts in the Junior Kindergarten year. The deadline for this program (for a September 2023 start) was November 2022 and the online portal is now closed. If you had your heart set on this option we recommend you reach out to your local school that offers Early French Immersion and they should be able to add you to their waitlist.
Virtual Learning in Kindergarten
The board will be continuing to offer a virtual learning option for families. They are recommending you register with your local school and the virtual options will be made available in May based on availability.
Before & After School Care
Many parents are (rightfully!) concerned about before and after school care and not every school can accommodate all of the children that need it. These fee-based programs are run by a third-party child care provider at the school. Programming usually runs from about 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., and 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. You can find more information about the various programs as well as complete a survey to help the TDSB assess the needs of the community here. When you register your child at the school, speak with the Administrator or Principal about the availability of an Full Day Kindergarten (FDK) Before & After School Program at your local school, including details about registration and how to get on a wait-list if there is one!
What to expect
The Toronto District School board has put together a list of helpful links including information on the curriculum and helping to prepare your children for school.
In the Kindergarten program, your child will develop their skills and abilities through inquiry and intentional play-based learning. Teachers and early childhood educators plan learning experiences where children are actively engaged in learning and thinking creatively.
-TDSB Website
We wish your kiddos all the best as they begin their academic journeys! xo
