CLEVER CUBSPRESCHOOL ACADEMY
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Our Programs

Two classrooms. One thoughtful journey.

Clever Cubs offers two full-day preschool programs for children ages 2.5 to 5. Each classroom reflects a different stage of early childhood, with materials, expectations and experiences chosen for the children in the room.

Bear Cubs children building with blocks in the Clever Cubs classroom.

Stage One · Bear Cubs

An introduction to preschool

Bear Cubs supports the transition into a classroom community. Through play, relationships and thoughtfully planned experiences, children develop communication, independence, confidence and fine and gross motor skills.

Much of the year is spent learning how to join a game, express an idea, wait, help, solve a conflict and return to something another day. These everyday experiences establish the social and emotional foundation for future learning.

At a Glance
Ages
Children may begin as young as 2.5, provided they will turn three during the same calendar year and are fully potty trained
Focus
Belonging, relationships, play, communication and growing independence
Rest
A designated nap and rest period is included in the day
Eligibility

Children may begin Bear Cubs as young as 2.5, provided they will turn three during the same calendar year and are fully potty trained.

Lion Cubs children working with an educator during a hands-on classroom investigation.

Stage Two · Lion Cubs

A deeper year of inquiry

Lion Cubs builds on the foundations of the earlier preschool years. Investigations last longer, collaboration becomes more complex and children increasingly test, revisit and explain their ideas.

Early literacy and mathematical thinking become more intentional while remaining connected to meaningful play, conversation and investigation. Children strengthen the independence, communication and learning habits that make the move to kindergarten feel manageable and familiar.

At a Glance
Ages
Children who turn four during the calendar year in which they begin preschool, including children turning five whose families have chosen a later kindergarten start
Focus
Extended inquiry, early literacy, numeracy, communication and kindergarten preparation
Rest
Lion Cubs does not have a designated nap period
Eligibility

Children who will turn four during the calendar year in which they begin preschool in September, as well as children turning five whose families have chosen a later start to kindergarten.

01How Children Learn

How children learn.

01

Inquiry and play

Children construct, create, experiment, engage in dramatic play and work with open-ended materials. Educators observe what children are trying to understand, then extend their thinking with new materials, thoughtful questions or a change to the environment.

02

Relationships and self-regulation

Children practise friendship, communication, empathy, cooperation and conflict resolution. Educators remain close enough to offer support and language while allowing children to develop their own abilities.

03

Early literacy and mathematics

Books, storytelling, drawing and children's emerging writing make literacy part of everyday classroom life. In Lion Cubs, Jolly Phonics adds a more structured introduction to letter sounds and early reading skills.

Number sense, patterns, measurement, spatial reasoning and mathematical language emerge through construction, cooking, games and investigation—not worksheets or recitation.

04

Creative and physical development

Drawing, painting, clay, construction, music, movement and dramatic play give children many ways to develop and communicate ideas. Daily indoor and outdoor movement builds coordination, strength, fine motor control and physical confidence.

02The Rhythm of a Day

The rhythm of a full day.

Our days follow a familiar rhythm without being governed by a rigid timetable. Lunch begins at 11:45 a.m.; the rest of the day remains flexible so educators can respond to the children, the weather and the work unfolding in each classroom.

The afternoon is not childcare added to an educational morning. Play, inquiry, relationships, creative work and outdoor learning continue throughout the entire day.

Two children exploring snow with a metal bowl, pan and scoops during outdoor learning.
  1. 01

    Arrival and exploration

    Children greet friends, connect with educators and settle into materials and invitations already waiting for them.

  2. 02

    Morning gathering

    The group comes together to share news, songs, plans and questions. Gatherings help children listen to one another and consider where the day’s ideas might lead.

  3. 03

    Inquiry, play and creative work

    Children construct, create, investigate, engage in dramatic play and return to projects already in progress. Educators introduce materials and questions that extend the children’s thinking.

  4. 04

    Outdoor learning

    Children climb, dig, build, notice and move in real Calgary weather. Outdoor time may follow the planned rhythm or shift to make the most of changing conditions and emerging interests.

  5. 05

    Lunch together — 11:45 a.m.

    Children share lunch as a classroom community. Mealtimes offer opportunities for conversation, independence and participation in the routines of eating together.

  6. 06

    Rest or continued experiences

    Bear Cubs children have a designated nap and rest period. Lion Cubs continue with classroom experiences, quiet activities or extended outdoor learning.

  7. 07

    Afternoon inquiry and play

    Children return to construction, art, imaginative play and ongoing investigations. The afternoon offers meaningful time to revisit ideas, work in smaller groups and become deeply involved without being rushed.

  8. 08

    Afternoon snack and outdoor learning

    Children share an afternoon snack and have another opportunity to play and learn outdoors.

  9. 09

    Gathering and home time

    As departure times approach, children gather their belongings, reconnect with their group and bring the day’s experiences and stories home.

A collection of botanical artwork created by children at Clever Cubs using pressed flowers, leaves and stems.
03Enrolment Options

Enrolment options.

Families choose one consistent full-day schedule for the preschool year:

All program days run from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

2 days

Tuesday + Thursday

3 days

Monday + Wednesday + Friday

5 days

Monday–Friday

Children participate in the complete program on every schedule.

04Food & Mealtimes

Food and mealtimes.

Families may choose our catered meal program, which includes morning snack, warm lunch and afternoon snack. Families who do not participate provide their child’s food from home.

Meals are delivered warm by a local caterer, with menu planning overseen by a registered dietitian. Clever Cubs follows nut-aware food practices, and many dietary needs can be accommodated.

Children eat together, building independence and community as they converse, participate in mealtime routines and clear their own places.

Each Day

  • Morning snack optional catered program
  • Warm lunch optional catered program
  • Afternoon snack optional catered program

05 — Kindergarten Preparation

Preparing for kindergarten—and beyond.

We prepare children for kindergarten by helping them become capable learners, not by making preschool look like kindergarten.

Children develop early literacy, mathematical thinking and the physical skills needed for classroom life. Just as importantly, they learn to ask questions, explain ideas, work with others, recover from difficult moments and try unfamiliar things.

They leave Clever Cubs ready for what comes next—and confident that they know how to learn.

Children using translucent alphabet letters to build words on illuminated classroom light boards.

Find the program that fits your child.

Explore tuition and schedules, join the waitlist or contact us with a question. We’re happy to help you determine whether Clever Cubs fits your child and family.

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Unit 205, 35 Cranford Way SE
Calgary, Alberta T3M 3A9
Canada