About Us

Little Friends Nursery Centre has high quality, caring and committed staff.

Our Staff

Little Friends Nursery Centre has high quality, caring and committed staff. Each room has a primary teacher and a teaching assistant. Current criminal record checks and vulnerable sector searches are completed for all staff. In addition, staff must maintain a minimum Level I childcare certification and First Aid/CPR certification.

Kelly Petryk – Toddler Room Teacher

Kelly and her family have lived in Crestwood for the past 23 years. She has two sons, Max (21) and Renn (19), who both attended Little Friends Preschool.  Kelly has participated with the school as a parent, board member, PS assistant and is currently the teacher in the Toddler Room. She completed her education degree at the University of Alberta. While not at Little Friends, Kelly spends her time with her family and volunteering in and around the community. Entering her fourth year as the Toddler Room teacher, she is excited to expand on her outdoor classroom, classroom garden and the ever changing opportunities each new year brings!

Wendy Bit – Toddler Room Assistant

Wendy comes to Little Friends this year as the Toddler Room Assistant. Wendy has many years
experience with children of all ages. She has been a Sunday Community Living Preschool
Teacher, Preschool Dance & Drama Teacher, and a Volunteer Girl Guide Leader. She is also the
proud mother of four beautiful and amazing young ladies. Wendy loves to sing, dance and
explore nature outside. Let’s Play!.

Ashleigh Bit – Playroom & Playschool Teacher

Ashleigh is the Playschool and Playroom Teacher. She has been with Little Friends since 2019. Ashleigh currently holds her Level 2 and is finishing off her Early Education Diploma. When Ashleigh isn’t busy with school, she enjoys getting outside, reading and drinking tea. Ashleigh is excited to play, create and explore!

Marie Ulliac – Playroom & Playschool Assistant

Marie has a long history with Crestwood Community and Little Friends. She and her husband raised 4 children here, 3 of whom are Little Friends alumni! Prior to that, she worked as a Teacher Assistant with Edmonton Catholic Schools, mainly in Kindergarten, Special needs and ESL. Marie is always excited to be part of the team that provides your little ones with a safe and happy learning time at preschool. She especially enjoys running into Little Friends families around the neighbourhood; don’t be shy to say Hi!

What is Expected of My Child & I?

For a detailed explanation please download our Polices & Procedures Handbook

Behaviour

Students are expected to observe basic respect for others. No rough physical contact or verbal abuse is tolerated. All families will sign a conduct policy agreement.

Arrival/Departure

Students are expected to arrive for class on time and be picked up immediately after class finishes. Late students will be admitted to the classroom at the teachers’ discretion. Please be courteous and remove all wet or dirty shoes before going on the stairs. The children are required to use these stairs to access the gym so we want them kept as clean as possible.

Participation

All families contribute to Little Friends by fulfilling one volunteer position per enrolled child over the school year. Due to Covid-19, all in class parent participation has been suspended until further notice. The board and teachers may require volunteer positions that would be independent of classroom participation. 

Snack

A snack for toddler room and playroom students will be provided by a parent from each classroom. The snack should include 2 to 3 items from different food groups, cannot be homemade and must be brought in whole. Please no nuts or meat products. Some examples of snack include:

Please note that if your child has a food allergy you must indicate the allergy on your registration form and inform the Registrar and Roster Board Member.

Play school students will bring in their own snack as part of their preparation for kindergarten.

Potty Training

All children in the Toddler Room are required to wear diapers or pull-ups. Many students are in midst of toilet training, but it takes time to get to the bathrooms. Please ensure the backpack contains a minimum of 3 diapers/pull ups and an extra change of clothing.

Little Friends Nursery Centre Society 2023-2024 Board of Directors

President: Lindsay Jo Pawlyk

Vice-President: Tara Krys-Pringle

Treasurer: Sally McInnis

Registrar: Shyloe Slatter

Personnel: Christine Chan

Communications: Jessica DeSerres

Church Liaison: Nikki Lubemsky

Roster: Kyra Leuschen

Supplies: Sarah Lamb

Special Events: Laura Butcher

Volunteer Coordinator: Daniella Clonfero

Members at Large: Morgan Wheaton, Erin Nikolic, Jade Comeau, Shaun Tyson

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Learn about our programs

FAQs

Does My Child Need To Be Potty Trained?

Children in the Toddler room and Playroom do not need to be potty trained to attend classes. We ask that all children in the process of training continue to wear pull-ups/diapers while in class, no exceptions. Once your child is fully trained it is up to the teacher’s discretion to allow your child to attend school without pull ups/diapers. Playschool children must be potty trained.

What Should My Child Bring For Class?

All students starting class in September receive a letter explaining what is needed. Clean indoor shoes, a backpack with a change of clothes, diapers if required and a small comfort item are all recommended.

Personal Belongings

  • Please label all personal belongings (diaper bags, clothing, boots, etc.).
  • Please refrain from bringing toys, dolls, cars, etc. from home.
  • Please provide disposable diapers only.

How Do I Cope With Separation Anxiety?

If you wish to stay for a brief period of time to comfort and reassure your child, please convey this to the teacher or assistant. It is respectful and courteous, and allows the teacher some input. This also applies to the child’s first day. If your child has a comfort toy, blanket, or soother, you may bring them along but please make sure they are labeled. The teachers’ experience has been that children usually adjust quicker in their respective classrooms if parents remain positive and cheerful. Although the staff understand that separation anxiety affects parents as well as children, it is much easier for everyone if parents depart as soon as their child is settled. If a child does not settle, the staff will call you and ask you how you would like to handle the situation.

What Can I Do To Help My Child Adjust?

The teachers use transition tools to help our children adjust to changes in the day and encourage participation in the various activities. Songs to begin or end the day, encourage cleaning up or preparing for a different activity, give children a sense of the familiar. When used at home they reinforce the behaviours making both the teachers and parent’s job easier. Please free to ask your child’s teacher for the transition tools she is using in class.

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