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.
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.
CanSkate for Preschoolers is taught by Skate Canada recognized NCCP-trained professional coaches, assisted by trained program assistants.
Next Step: CanSkate Program
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.
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.
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!