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Child and Youth Programs

Calgary child and youth programs

Trico Centre offers a wide selection of high-quality (and super fun!) registered sessional classes for children of all ages, including:

  • Parent and Tot
  • Preschool
  • Youth Programs
  • Skill Builders (new!)
  • Summer Day Camps
  • Events

Trico Centre Members save 20% off the cost of most registered children’s programs, and receive two-day priority registration.

Children’s Programs at Trico Centre are designed for children to foster the love of activity and new experiences as well as socialization, cognitive, physical, and mental development and wellbeing. We offer a variety of genres to explore including Active gym classes, Sports, Gymnastics, Dance, Arts & Crafts, Skating, Preschool prep, gym n’ swim, Day Camps and more! For Swimming Lessons please see the Aquatics section.

The Skill Builder program is divided into nine categories, such as Leadership, Social Skills, Executive Functioning, Self-Regulation, Fine Motor, Gross Motor, and Non-Competitive Sports. To register your child in any of these programs, click here.

Trico Centre Programs run on a sessional basis five times a year with classes ranging from 6-12 weeks in length. This is a fantastic opportunity to repeat classes you love or try a new activity each time.

Our programs are taught by qualified instructors who encourage independence, confidence, socialization and most of all FUN! Each member of the team also has a current Police Security Check and is certified in First Aid and HIGH FIVE.

Parent & Tot

Walking – 4 Years old

A wonderful opportunity for parents and caregivers to offer support and encouragement as their child explores, practices new skill, and spends time interacting with other children.

Preschool

2.5 – 6 Years Old

Early childhood instructors support and engage children as they explore free play opportunities, circle time, songs, crafts, snack time, transitions, and age-appropriate games. Children must be full potty-trained (exception: First Steps program).

Child/Youth

6 – 14 Years Old

Fun and engaging programs offer young people the opportunity to explore interests, make connections, develop skills, build confidence, and participate in recreational sports and activities.

Parent & Tot Programs
Preschool Programs
Child/Youth Programs

Skill Builder Program

4 – 14 Years Old

A program series dedicated in supporting young people with their mental health and overall physical, emotional, and intellectual development.

Skill Builder Program

 

Child & Youth Programs FAQs

How do you communicate with parents about classes?

Our primary contact method is through email. We ask for an email address when you create an account and any program related information will be sent through email. Regardless of whether or not you choose to “opt-in” to promotional emails, you will receive program specific information on your child’s class.

What is your child guidance policy?

We believe in encouragement and leadership, not discipline. Our child guidance policy follows a model in which we try and understand the reasons or meaning behind a child’s behaviours. We are consistent with our expectations and focus on positive behaviours rather than negative through redirection and positive reinforcement. We do our best to support children in making good choices and encourage open communication between instructors and parents to help ensure your child’s success.

What if my child doesn’t like the program?

Sometimes the activity and/or instructor isn’t quite the right fit for your child. In this event, our Program Management team would love to hear from you to discuss your child’s class and/or speak with your instructor. The first class is usually a “try-and-see” class for both the children and our instructors as they learn who is in the class and the dynamic of the group so they can better create lesson plans to fit the children. We try to find the source of the dissatisfaction and discuss how we can make it a better experience and ask you and your child to try the class again with feedback.  If we do find the class isn’t right for your child we will do everything to find another suitable class or discuss other options with you. If there is any concern at all, please contact us immediately as this helps us improve our programs and coach our instructors to always learn and provide better experiences.

What if I need to withdraw my child?

We do permit withdrawals as we want your child to be excited to come to Trico Centre, and in the best suited program for them. Once a withdrawal has been granted there will be a $30.00+GST withdrawal fee administered and the remaining amount may be applied to your Trico Centre account to be used towards any online or in-house registration or admissions valid for 1 year. Alternatively, you may request a refund. There is no fee for transferring from one program to another, nor if we are changing your child’s registration.

Why do you cancel classes?

We want the best experience for your child and will run most programs with a minimum of 4 children (some exceptions apply). Typically we will only cancel a class if there are less than 4 children registered and do our best to try to work with you to transfer them into another program, or combine it with another class. We understand this is not always the most convenient option for your schedule and appreciate your understanding. The primary account contact will contacted by email and given a choice of account credit or refund (no administration fee).

Can I register my child if they are younger or older than the posted age?

There is a lot of development in a short period of time at this preschool age. We can make exceptions for some classes if your child is turning the age within a month from the start date of the program. Due to the nature of some programs, age exceptions may not be permitted. If your child is older than the posted age and you feel they are better suited in the program we are happy to speak to you more about that. For any age exceptions please contact the Programs Management Team.

This will be my child’s first time away from me, what if they cry?

We completely understand children may be shy, miss their parent, and may even cry for the first while. We encourage parents at the first class to help comfort them. As we progress through the session a quick drop off is best as typically children calm once we start our activities. We are absolutely comfortable if your child is crying and have many ways to help comfort them and engage them in the class group. If your child is inconsolable we will contact you to come assist, encourage and work with you and create a good plan for the next class. Always feel free to speak with your instructor so we can create a successful and comfortable environment for your child.

Can I watch the class?

We recognize parents want to see how their child is doing in the class, and some classes are easier (logistically) to watch than others. We recommend and ask parents to stay out of the class area unless permitted or requested by the instructor. As your child is learning to become independent, we have found through experience children are more apt to learn and follow their instructor when parents are not present. If there is any concern and instructors feel it is best for your presence, they will request you to stay.

Why are some classes only 30-45 minutes?

Many of our classes are quite active with quick changing activities to keep the attention and excitement of the class. We have found that depending on the activity level and genre, 30-45 minutes is more than enough for the children to stay engaged. Once we go past that time frame children start to tire and then lose interest, and we always want to end with the excitement of next class.

What happens if they need to go to the washroom or have an accident?

Our preschool classes have a ratio of 1:8 and when a child needs to go to the washroom we take a potty field trip all together. It is also a good opportunity to allow other children try to use the washroom. We ask parents to ensure your child has gone to the washroom prior to class beginning, when possible. In the case of an accident we will do our best to clean them up and call you immediately to come assist. It’s always a good idea to pack a change of clothes in your child’s backpack, just in case!

What should we bring to class?

Please send your child with:

  • indoor shoes, a bottle of water (please refrain from juice)
  •  a change of clothes
  • appropriate outdoor wear
  • nut-free snack (for classes over 1.5hrs),
  • comfort memento from home if your child is shy or nervous (such as a blanket, doll, teddy bear, etc.)
  • any specific equipment (skates, swim suit, etc.)
  • backpack your child can carry where appropriate

My child has special needs, can they register for programs?

Yes absolutely! We welcome all children to our programs. We would love to talk to you more about your child so we can understand their needs to better support them so we can ensure a positive experience. If your child requires and aide through their daily life we ask you to please provide their aide during programs. Aides will be required to participate in all activities including swimming. Please contact us for more information or questions.

How will information about classes be communicated?

We communicate through email for all class information including our Session Welcome Letter, Long Weekend Reminders, Cancelled Classes, and Changes to your Class. Please ensure your email is up to date with us through your online account or contacting Guest Services.

How do I contact the Programs Management Team?

We would love to hear from you! Please contact us if you have questions, concerns, programming suggestions, if it’s your first time and you want to know more about our programming.

For quickest communication please email us.