Preschool (Ages 3–5)

About Our Preschool Program

Last season we were not able to conduct a Preschool session due to the Covid Pandemic.  This year,  Skate Canada has allowed us to do so but it must be contactless or "hands free".  Some young skaters are able to get up and stand on their own but not all Preschoolers have mastered this skill.  It is for this reason that we have added a Parent & Tot Program option to the Preschool Program.  We require participating parents to assist their own child in following the direction from our coaching staff to learn basic skills.  All parents must be able to skate and wear a CSA approved hockey helmet.  Only one parent is allowed on the ice and there will be an additional $40.00 Skate Canada fee to cover the insurance cost

The Pickering Skating Club is happy to provide this learn to skate program for preschool and kindergarten children ages three to five years old. No previous skating experience is required.

This 30 minute program is focused on having fun while teaching young children basic skating skills and provide them with a foundation for hockey, figure skating, ringette and other activities, including pleasure/leisure skating.

This is a great after daycare or kindergarten program for kids with a passion for ice sports. The program is designed to develop a child’s coordination and physical fitness through balance and movement exercises that use music, games and toys to make it fun.

What is CanSkate for Preschoolers?

CanSkate for Preschoolers is a customized learn to skate program that focuses on fun, participation and basic skill development. Lessons are held at the Pickering Recreation Centre’s Delaney arena and based on Sport Canada’s long term athlete development (LTAD) principles, CanSkate for PreSchoolers centers on physical literacy and the fundamental skills needed to take part in any ice sport or to skate as a recreational activity.

Who’s it for?

CanSkate for Preschoolers is designed for preschool children between the ages three and five. This is an excellent after daycare or kindergarten program that provides the basic skating skills for future hockey stars, figure skaters, speed skaters or just having fun.

Who teaches it?

CanSkate for Preschoolers is taught by Skate Canada recognized NCCP-trained professional coaches, assisted by trained program assistants.

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Next Step: CanSkate Program

What will my Preschooler learn?

Your child will learn the same skills taught to CanSkate graduates Tessa Virtue & Scott Moir, Olympic and World ice dance champions, Patrick Chan, Olympic medalist and World men’s figure skating champion, Ivanie Blondin, Olympic and World long track speed skater, Matt Duchene, NHL Colorado Avalanche and Olympic hockey team gold medalist and Jeff Skinner, NHL Carolina Hurricanes, NHL Rookie of the Year and former Canadian juvenile men’s figure skating medalist.

Preschool children will complete a series of balance, control and agility skills taught in six stages of learning that pertain to hockey, ringette, speed skating and figure skating as well as general recreational skating. Our CanSkate Coaches use a nationally-tested and proven curriculum and delivery methods that guarantee skater success in developing stronger basic skills and developing them faster.

What can you expect?

Action, movement and fun! Lessons are given in a group format with a coach-to-student ratio of a maximum 1:7. Skaters progress at their own rate and coaches make sessions active using teaching aids, upbeat music and a wide variety of activities that create a motivational environment and promote learning. Badges, ribbons and other incentives are used to benchmark skaters’ progress and reward effort and participation.

What do you need to participate?

All you need are skates, a CSA-approved hockey helmet, long pants, mittens, warm sweater or jacket. Dress in layers – with all this activity it will get warm!