Kindergarten

Welcome to a Wonderful Journey of Learning

 

It is our shared responsibility to ensure that your child’s first school experience will be a time remembered with joy and a sense of accomplishment. Simcoe County District School Board Kindergarten teachers and early childhood educators strive to provide enriched, varied, exciting, and positive learning experiences for all students. We wish you and your child a warm welcome and a future of exciting learning experiences.

Check out our 'Welcome to Kindergarten' booklet.

 

For more information on childcare programs available in our schools, visit the Before and After School Programs section.

2025-26 Kindergarten Registration

 

Is your child turning FOUR in 2025? If so, it is time to register for Kindergarten!

Simcoe County’s public schools will begin registering children for Kindergarten for the 2025-26 school year in January. Visit our registration page for information on how to register using the online registration application. Upon completion of the online form, the school will contact you to finalize the registration. 

To find your local public school, use the Home School Locator tool. For more information about your home school, including contact information, use our School Search. If you require support in identifying your home school, contact our Planning and Enrolment department at (705) 734-6363 x11326. 

Each school holds a Kindergarten orientation session in the spring. Learn more about the sessions and find out when your child's school is holding theirs on our Kindergarten orientation page.

We look forward to learning and growing with you and your child! In the meantime, please explore the activities, resources and videos on this page that will give you and your child an idea of what to expect when your journey with the SCDSB begins!

For more information on the registration process and documents needed to register, see our Frequently Asked Questions below.

EarlyON Child and Family Centres

 

EarlyON Child and Family Centres offer free, drop-in programs for children up to six years old and their parents/caregivers. EarlyON centres are places to engage and connect with others in the community and feel a sense of belonging.

You will be welcomed by qualified early-year's professionals who can provide support, advice, and helpful resources. EarlyON centres are where children and their parents/caregivers can learn, play, laugh, be curious, make friends and engage with others.

Find a location near you: 
• Barrie and Bradford area
• Midland and Orillia area
• Collingwood and Alliston area
• Francophone EarlyON Child and Family Centres in Simcoe County; les Centres ON y va dans la région de Simcoe

 

Simcoe County Early Intervention Services

 

The Simcoe County Early Intervention Services provides young children who may have special education needs and their families with a wide range of services and supports to help them develop to their fullest potential.

Kindergarten Frequently Asked Questions

 

How old must my child be to enter Kindergarten?

To be eligible for attendance in September, your child must be 4 years of age by December 31 of that year. This means that if your child’s birthday is between September and December, they will start school just before their fourth birthday.

How do we register for Kindergarten?

Simcoe County’s elementary public schools will be registering children for Junior and Senior Kindergarten classes in mid January. Contact your local public school for registration information.

To find your local public school, use our School Search feature. If you are not sure which school serves your area, please call our Planning and Enrolment Department at 705-734-6363, ext. 11291, or 905-729-3600, ext. 11291.

What documents do we need for registration?

Birthdate Documentation: Proof of birthdate (original Canadian birth certificate, Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, Canadian Passport, Permanent Resident Card/Record of Landing, or Statement of Live Birth – long version).

Residential Address: Proof of your child's address.

Below is a list of appropriate pieces of documentation that a parent/guardian may present to verify address:

- property tax assessment
- lease/rental agreement
- ownership title
- proof of purchase agreement for the primary residence
- utility bill in the name of the parent(s)/guardian(s)
- letter of residency
- statutory declaration

Record of Immunization: A record of immunization is also requested to assist the District Health Unit in meeting its requirement under the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) to collect and maintain immunization records for every child registered in school. For further immunization details, contact the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit by dialing 1-877-721-7520.

Do you have information about child care centres and before and after school programs?

Yes, you can view the list on the child care programs page.

Can you tell me more about the Kindergarten program?

Kindergarten is a play-based educational program where children explore, discover and learn about the world around them. It is our aim to engage children’s curiosity, imagination and creativity, and help them develop a love of learning. The full Kindergarten program can be found on the Ontario Ministry of Education's website.

We live within the designated busing area for our school. How can I prepare my child for the first bus ride?

During the summer, the Simcoe County Student Transportation Consortium (SCSTC) hosts the First Rider Programs in various locations throughout the County for primary-aged students new to busing. For more information on transportation, visit the SCSTC website.

How can I help prepare my child for the transition to Kindergarten?

There are many great ways to get your child excited about Kindergarten. This process begins at home well before the first day of school. Read our parent information booklet Wonderful Journey of Learning, which has tips on how to get ready for Kindergarten.

EarlyON Child and Family Centres in Simcoe County have also developed a number of resources providing early learning activities for children, helpful links and a list of suggested books and songs.

How do we register if my family is new to Canada?

Additional valid documentation is required to register visa/foreign students. Families of Kindergarten students new to Canada are invited to contact our Newcomer Welcome Centre at 705-725-8360, ext. 45160.

Open link to subscribe to Kindergarten Connections

Will your child be turning four in 2025? If so, the SCDSB invites you to Kindergarten Connections! This is a monthly enewsletter informing families of everything they need to know about preparing their child for school, as well as registering them for Kindergarten in the SCDSB. Subscribe now by clicking the button above!

Missed a month? Browse previous newsletters below:

Take a look inside a day of Kindergarten!