““I like the songs.””
Key features of Westdale Co-operative Preschool
We believe that children learn and develop skills through play, inquiry and exploration.
We are a preschool geared at introducing children to their educational journey and progression to kindergarten.
Our teaching staff are nurturing and knowledgeable RECEs and an ECE student, who devote their time to tailoring the program to the specific interests and abilities of the children in the class.
Our preschool has a morning program that follows the school board year (September to June).
Our children spend at least 45 minutes per day enjoying a large gym where there is lots of space to run, play co-operative games/sports and climb on our climber (ideal for energetic little ones!)
Our children help to prepare and serve their snack each day. Snacks always include at least 2 food groups and are organic and/or locally grown whenever possible.
Preschool hours:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Flexible drop-off 9:00 - 9:15 AM
Flexible pick-up 12:00 - 12:15 PM *flexible timing is intended to allow for daily variations such as inclement weather or construction; the preschool program ends at 12:00pm. We kindly request parents message us should unexpected circumstances occur.
Preschool Days:
We are open Monday - Friday
Our school year runs September - June
Parents can register their child(ren) for 5, 4, 3 or 2 days per week on a set schedule
Preschool Age Requirements:
We welcome children between the ages of 18 months and 5 years.
Your child must turn 18 months by the end of December for the school year they are enrolling for *registration for 2024-2025 child must have turned 18 months by January 1st 2025.
We currently have a very limited number of spaces available for toddlers between 18-30 months.
*Please complete the online registration inquiry form in order to arrange a meeting with our teachers to discuss your child's attendance.
Preschool Fees for NEW REGISTRANTS (2023-2024 school year):
$12/day for 5 days a week
$12/day for 3 or 4 days a week on a set day schedule
$12.49/day for 2 days a week for preschool age children (30 months or older) on a set day schedule
$13.05/day for 2 days a week for toddler age children (18-29 months) on a set day schedule
$25/day for flex days
$50 non-refundable registration fee
$100 refundable fee for completion of duties
$100 refundable fee for meeting attendance ($25 per meeting)
$350 fundraising fee
The co-operative model
At Westdale Co-operative Preschool parents and families are an integral part of the school. Every family's commitment and participation directly impacts on our children's experiences and are essential to the success of the preschool. Our preschool follows a 'co-operative' model. This means that parents are responsible for all preschool operations apart from our RECEs' teaching roles within the classroom. As such, each family is asked to give some time to ensure the smooth running of the preschool; be that completing daily gym and dish duties, helping to collect library books, make play dough, organize events, or stepping up to be a member of our preschool board. Families are provided a chance to work together while making new friends and ensuring memorable experiences for our kids year after year.
““I like it here because my friends are here.””
Our history
Westdale Co-operative has offered families across Hamilton a supportive and creative learning environment since 1974. Conveniently located in the heart of Westdale village in Hamilton, we are licensed by the Ontario Ministry of Education and we adhere to the regulations set out by the Child Care and Early Years Act.
