Frequently Asked Questions

Early Learning Preschool is an extension of the current Early Learning Programs (ELP) in Medicine Hat Catholic Schools. The licensed format allows us to provide more affordable early childhood education options.

Licensing our Early Learning Programs offers families more affordable options while maintaining faith-based, high-quality early childhood education.

Additionally, families with an annual household income of less than $180,000 can apply for a subsidy of $125 per month through applychildcaresubsidy.alberta.ca. (Some restrictions may apply.)

The licensed program will begin in Fall 2025.

The program will be available at all six elementary schools in the Medicine Hat Catholic School Division.

• St. Louis School
• St. Michael's School
• St. Patrick's School
• Mother Teresa School
• St. Francis Xavier School 
• Ecole St. John Paul II School

• Monday to Friday (5 days per week)
• Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (3 days per week)

Note: Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, families will no longer have the option to select specific combinations of days.

• 5 days/week: $365/month (-$75 = $290/month)
• 3 days/week: $220/month (-$75 = $145/month)

The Government of Alberta Affordability Grant provides an automatic deduction of $75 per month per child from the fees listed above. Families with an annual household income of less than $180,000 can also apply for an additional subsidy of $125 per month.

Families with children aged 3-5 who wish to participate in a high-quality, faith-based learning environment are welcome to enroll. This includes children in Kindergarten, who attend half-day ELP before/after Kindergarten.

Children must be 3 years old and potty trained before the first day of school to attend ELP.

You do not have to be Catholic to attend a Catholic school!

This program provides an affordable and accessible early childhood education option, fostering learning and development in a supportive, faith-based environment.

• Learning school routines before Kindergarten
• Relationship building with peers, staff and familiarity with the school building
• Social/emotional development
• Faith-based education
• Access to school facilities including a large playground/schoolyard, gymnasium, music room, library and more!
• Access to school resources and special events

Yes, Program Unit Funding (PUF) support will continue for students who qualify based on an assessment.

PUF pre-screens will be conducted in Spring 2025 at each Catholic elementary school. Details will be available closer to.