Non-profit · Est. 1972 · Edmonton, Alberta
For over 50 years, LCDS has blended joyful play with teacher-directed learning — building confident, curious kids who are ready for kindergarten and beyond.
✨ New & exciting for 2027
“Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.” — Albert Einstein
Launching in 2027, our hands-on STEAM Discovery Program brings science, technology, engineering, arts and math to little learners — the LCDS way: through play, wonder, and getting your hands messy.
Through guided inquiry using light tables, magnification, and sensory reactions, children learn to predict outcomes. We don't just conduct experiments; we teach the "why" behind the natural world, fostering critical thinking and curiosity-driven problem solving.
Computational thinking begins long before a screen is introduced. We build the neurological foundations for coding through tactile sequencing games, cause-and-effect puzzles, and mechanical logic toys that develop pattern recognition and early algorithmic logic.
Moving beyond basic block play, we introduce loose-parts engineering and structural challenges. By planning, constructing, and testing for stability, children learn iterative design — discovering that trial and error is simply the first step to building something stronger.
We emphasize the journey of creation over the final product. By blending artistic expression with spatial and scientific concepts — such as structural clay building and color-theory mixing — children refine fine motor skills while using imagination as a tool for cognitive exploration.
Math is pulled off the page and into the real world. Children master early numeracy, volume, and geometry by weighing natural materials, measuring playground structures, and recognizing complex patterns in our outdoor environments, making abstract concepts concrete and intuitive.
Our proprietary STEAM Curriculum Matrix ensures every activity has a deliberate developmental outcome. Ask to see our framework during your tour.
Our values
Parents are involved in the operations of the educational program and engaged in activities throughout the year.
Kindergarten readiness is encouraged through play and teacher-led activities.
All children can succeed in their development when given enough time and support.
LCDS is more than a classroom; it is a village. We believe a strong, supportive community is an essential part of a child's development.
“Play is the highest form of research.” — Albert Einstein
Who we are
LCDS Preschool & Kindergarten is a non-profit program that has served Edmonton families for over 50 years. We're housed within Gateway Alliance Church in north Edmonton — and while we're located inside a church, we are not part of the church. LCDS is a licensed preschool under Alberta Early Learning and Child Care and operates a private early childhood services (ECS) kindergarten program under Alberta Education.
Our structured, play-based classrooms are language-rich and follow the Alberta Education Kindergarten Curriculum through fun activities and themes. Each classroom is led by a certificated teacher holding a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and Psychology, supported by an experienced Educational Assistant and volunteer parents.
“Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” — Albert Einstein
Classrooms are supported by experienced educational assistants and parent volunteers. Please note we are unable to provide one-on-one educational assistants.
Our programs
Preschool and kindergarten-aged children learn together in small, mixed classes of up to 17 students — one morning class and one afternoon class, five days a week.
Ages 3–4 · must be 3 by Sept 1 & toilet trained
Age 4 yrs 8 mos by Sept 1 · turns 5 between Sept 1 – Mar 1
Turns 5 before Dec 31 of the school year
A day at LCDS
Every class follows a structured routine in a "Learning through Play" format, guided by the Alberta Early Learning and Child Care Regulation and the Alberta Education Curriculum for Kindergarten.
Through free play, daily songs and group conversations, story and library time, daily projects, sharing days, class parties, cooking days, and regularly planned field trips.
Art, writing, listening, blocks, building, manipulatives, dramatic play and sensory centres.
Children sit together to enjoy a healthy snack, fostering conversation and good manners.
Small group work developing visual, auditory and communication skills through math, science and creative projects.
Children learn responsibility and cooperation by tidying together.
Early literacy skills — letter recognition, letter sounds and sight words.
A final circle to review the day's activities before dismissal.
Moments at LCDS
Beyond the classroom
Field trips are scheduled regularly to enhance the classroom curriculum, and the cost is included in monthly material fees. All registered students may attend — even on non-attendance days.
Join us
Spots are initially filled by currently enrolled children and open up as children move on to other schools. We keep a waitlist for potential openings — get in touch early!
| Program | Standard Monthly Fee | Parent Portion (after $100 AB Affordability Grant) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 half days/week | $198/month | $98/month |
| 3 half days/week | $297/month | $197/month |
| 4 half days/week | $396/month | $296/month |
| 5 half days/week | $495/month | $395/month |
Please review our Policy Handbook and Registration Checklist below before applying. We want to ensure our play-based framework is the perfect fit for your family.
Complete our secure online application below — no printing required. We'll be in touch to confirm your spot or waitlist placement, and payment details (cash, cheque, or e-transfer) are provided once your application is accepted.
Educational supports such as English as a Second Language, Mild/Moderate Speech & Language support, and Program Unit Funding (PUF) may be available to qualifying students through Alberta Education. Two PUF spots are reserved annually — one per class — with priority for current students, siblings and previous members. We partner with Kids Included, the Centre for Autism, and Community Options. New applicants meet with the teacher and attend a trial class to determine the level of support required.
LCDS is not a designated Special Education ECS Program and can support children only when sufficient resources are available. For speech concerns for non-enrolled children, contact Alberta Health Services Preschool Speech and Language Intake at 780-408-8793.
Good to know
Can't find your answer here? Call us at 780-473-7216 — we're happy to chat.
17 students per day, per class — with a teacher, an educational assistant, and a parent helper. A maximum of 6 Kindergarten & Junior Kindergarten children are enrolled in each daily class, keeping a 1:6 teacher-to-child ratio for them.
We offer one morning class (9:00–11:45 am) and one afternoon class (1:00–3:45 pm), five days a week. We recommend 2 days/week for 3-year-olds and 2–3 days/week for 4-year-olds. You choose the class and days your child attends, subject to availability. Junior Kindergarten children commit to 4–5 half days per week.
We serve a daily snack in a group setting, as required by Alberta's Early Learning and Child Care Regulation. The scheduled parent helper provides a healthy snack and beverage for the class, including at least one serving from two or more food groups consistent with Canada's Food Guide. Group snack builds consistency, introduces new foods, and lets us monitor allergies closely.
LCDS aims to be nut-free — products labelled "may contain nuts" are excluded, and birthday snacks must be peanut and tree-nut free. We keep alternate snacks on hand for children with allergies or dietary restrictions, and we respect personal choices and ethnic and religious backgrounds.
Our program runs in a "Learning through Play" format with structured daily routines, adhering to the Alberta Early Learning and Child Care Regulation and the Alberta Education Curriculum for Kindergarten.
No. Although we're located inside Gateway Alliance Church, we are not part of the church. LCDS is a licensed preschool program under Alberta Early Learning and Child Care and operates a private early childhood services (ECS) kindergarten program under Alberta Education.
Field trips are scheduled regularly to enhance classroom learning, and costs are included in the monthly material fees. All registered students may attend, even on non-attendance days — though only registered LCDS students can join. Past destinations include Prairie Gardens, the Royal Alberta Museum, the Muttart Conservatory, and Telus World of Science.
Junior Kindergarten is for children who are academically ready for kindergarten but won't be old enough in the coming school year (birthday after December 31st). Eligible children are 4 years old and turn 5 between September 1st and March 1st. JK children start class 15 minutes early to work on specific JK curriculum goals and commit to 4–5 half days per week. Some basic readiness testing is required before acceptance. JK is not funded by the Alberta Government, so regular monthly fees apply.
Payments can be made by cash, cheque, or e-transfer. E-transfer information is provided at the time of registration.
Supports such as English as a Second Language, Mild/Moderate Speech & Language support, and Program Unit Funding (PUF) may be available to qualifying students through Alberta Education. Two PUF spots are reserved annually — one for the morning class and one for the afternoon — with registration priority for current LCDS students, their siblings, and previous members. New applicants meet with the teacher and attend a trial class to determine the support needed. For non-enrolled children with speech concerns, call Alberta Health Services Preschool Speech and Language Intake at 780-408-8793.
Come visit us!
Field trips, class parties, sharing days and important dates — all in one place. Tap an event for details.
Support our kids
Every dollar goes back into the classroom — materials, developmental support, and extracurricular experiences for our kids.
Zeffy is 100% fee-free for non-profits — meaning every single dollar you give goes directly to the classroom, not to payment processors.
Donate via ZeffyTurn your empties into classroom supplies! Drop your bottles and cans at a participating depot under the LCDS account.
Questions? Call us at 780-473-7216 or email [email protected].
Friends of LCDS · Corporate sponsorship
By sponsoring our 2027 STEAM program, you are investing in future engineers, scientists, and healthcare professionals — right here in north Edmonton.
Proudly supported by local businesses
Book a tour
We're located inside Gateway Alliance Church at 13931 140 St NW in north Edmonton. Call or email to book a tour — we'd love to show you around.