Registration is open 


Play, learn, explore, grow.

In their first few years, children establish important skills developed through play.

Ancaster Small Fry Preschool provides a welcoming space that encourage active exploration and meaningful interactions to support children's autonomy and sense of competence. Assorted materials and resources in our learning environment support problem solving and imagining, as well as present opportunities for creative expression in all forms throughout daily routines that view children as capable competent, curious and rich in potential.

Working alongside with the Ministry of Education and the City of Hamilton Public Health Department, our school has implemented Enhanced Health Guidelines  to operate our program in the safest way possible. Our back to school reorganization comprised program planning and sanitation procedures, staff retraining, and reorganization of our spaces and equipment. Our play-based program will continue to provide a nurturing and safe environment to our families, children and staff, as it has done for the past 50 years. 

In compliance with the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA), and grounded in current research in early child development through the How Does Learning Happen? (HDLH) pedagogy, our program implements and adjusts practices that aligns with the Foundations for Learning to support children's sense of belonging and well-being, as well as engagement and expression.

Enhanced Health Policies 

Our health and safety policies are reviewed on a regular basis according to updates from Hamilton Public Health. It is a live document with a comprehensive look over the special measures in place for our school routine. This guide complements our Parent Handbook guidelines available in our Registration section.  Our staff is fully vaccinated to support a safer learning environment. 

Self-regulation

As facilitators of learning experiences, our teachers implement strategies, as Tools for Life, to support the development of socioemotional learning, through the use of a common language that builds positive, and respectful relationships.

Outdoor Play

Our  playground provides a well-secured shaded area for children to play outdoor. A variety of riding toys, and kinetic toys are available for gross motor activities. A Mud kitchen in our forest offers opportunities to explore natural materials and engage in messy play, promoting creativity, role playing, collaboration and motor skills.  We enjoy  outdoor play, weather-permitting, year-round.


Circle Time

Circle time provides a great opportunity for the children to gather together in a group setting in order to share and listen to stories, present show and tell, and join music and movement activities to explore rhythm and coordination.

Involved learning

Our Morning Program                                      

Monday to Friday   ​
Grounded on the ELECT principles to offer positive experiences and set the foundation for lifelong learning and well-being, our program contemplates long periods of uninterrupted exploration and play, and few structured transitions, allowing children to approach activities on their own terms. Part of the philosophy that guides our cooperative preschool is parents' involvement in the learning experience. Participation in the program is encouraged on duty days, scheduled at least twice a month, in order to assist our Early Childhood Educators as environmental staff.
                               Children's morning routine
                             9:00 am        Arrival at school
                                                         Free Play / Creative art 
                                                         Music and Stories / Show and Share 
                                                         Tidy Up / Washroom routine /
                                                          Snack time 
                                                         Outdoor play    
                          11:50 am          Gathering of belongings
                           12:00 pm        Parents pick up children

Extended Program                         

Tuesdays & Thursdays
The option of extending your child's experience at Small Fry is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with a catered hot meal provided at lunch time. This extended program is offered to families interested in providing their child with an opportunity to adjust to longer school days, and stimulate print and phonemic awareness through the different learning areas. In order to participate in this program,  your child must be enrolled in the Preschool Program. This is a Non-Duty class. Registered Early Childhood Educators will be running this program with staff assistance to comply with child/adult ratios. Monthly menus are created following the guidelines in the Child Care and Early Years Act and Nutrition standards by the Canada Food Guide. All meals are cooked in Health Inspected, Nut Free commercial kitchen.
                                Children's afternoon routine
                             12:00 pm         Outdoor activities
                             12:20 pm         Washroom routine
                             12:30 pm        Catered Lunch
                                                          Tidy Up /  Story time
                                 1:00 pm       Early Literacy activities /
                                                            Science Projects/Creative art
                                 2:20 pm        Gathering of belongings
                                 2:30 pm        Parents pick up children