CITY Preschool is a City-run licensed preschool program for children ages three to five that complements our City’s early-years programs. The preschool operates out of the City’s beautiful new Port Coquitlam Community Centre in downtown Port Coquitlam.
The City Preschool is licensed by Fraser Health to operate a preschool for children aged three to five years.
Utilizing the comprehensive amenities at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre, our licensed preschool provides a warm, welcoming, and nurturing early-learning environment that promotes the well-being and overall development of each child.
In our play-based, child-centered program, experienced and qualified educators use an emergent curriculum with educator-supported activities, enriching experiences, and child-directed playtime to support each child’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth.
Our curriculum is informed by the British Columbia Early Learning Framework. The framework focuses on children from birth to Grade 3 and provides a continuum of learning as children transition between early learning programs and elementary school.
During the school year, we offer a fieldtrip and three “Adventure Days” at PCCC that include swimming, skating, and visiting the library.
City Preschool offers three preschool programs to meet the needs of families. Programs follow the SD43 school-year calendar and run from September to June.
City Preschool AM (M,W,F)
- Barcode 107916
- Sep 8, 2025 – June 12, 2026
- 9:15am-1:15pm
- Fee for the school year: $2908.62 after CCFRI , Monthly Fee: varies, based on number of sessions
City Preschool AM (Tu,Th)
- Barcode 107920
- Sep 09, 2025 – June 11, 2026
- 9:15am-12:15pm
- Fee for the school year: $1767.50 after CCFRI , Monthly Fee: varies, based on number of sessions
City Preschool PM (Tu,Th)
- Barcode 107929
- Sep 09, 2025 – June 11, 2026
- 1:30pm-4:30pm
- Fee for the school year: $1767.50 after CCFRI , Monthly Fee: varies, based on number of sessions
To register, your child has to turn 3 by December 31 of the year they start preschool.
To prepare for the registration process, please complete the following:
- Set up a profile at portcoquitlam.ca/register – ensure to include your email address
- Register for the City Preschool when registration opens
- Complete the participation information package
Once your child is registered in the City Preschool program:
- To comply with BC Child Care Licensing Regulations, we will send an email with registration forms that need to be completed prior to program start.
Affordable Child Care Benefit Program:
After enrollment into the City Preschool Program, families can apply to the income-tested Affordable Child Care Benefit (ACCB) program through the Ministry of Education and Child Care.
Find out if your eligible for ACCB
City Preschool will provide you with the Child Care Arrangement form for your paper-based ACCB application or verify your child care arrangement through My Family Services online applications.
Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative:
To provide families with access to affordable, quality, and inclusive child care, City Preschool is participating in the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI) through the Ministry of Education and Child Care.
Families do not need to apply to CCFRI program and savings for child care fees are passed on directly by City Preschool through reduced monthly child care fees. Program fees are based on external funding through the provincial government and may be subject to change. To estimate your child care savings, please refer to the CCFRI Estimator.
Assistance through the City:
For recreational programs, eligible individuals and families may apply for support from the Financial Assistance Program . Please note that the licensed City Preschool program is excluded from the City’s Financial Assistance Program as we participate in the CCFRI and ACCB programs.
The City of Port Coquitlam’s play-based preschool programs are designed to take a children’s first approach to learning – using open-ended activities, enriching experiences and free play to grow and inspire children’s unique interests.
Our Family Handbook provides detailed information about the program and procedures. Download our Family Handbook [PDF/515KB].
Preschool can be a big transition for children (and parents too!) as they learn classroom routines, make new friends, and gain more independence.
To set children up for success, we offer a variety early-years recreational programs to help your child transition into programs where they stay on their own. We highly recommend your child participate in these programs before entering Preschool or Playschool. Recreational programs are offered seasonally for shorter terms starting in Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall.
To start, consider an adult-participation program such as Hand in Hand, Playmania, and Playzone. Ready, Set, Go and Childminding introduce children to attending a program independently while parents/guardians remain in the building. Once your child is comfortable being on their own in programs, we offer a variety of registered early-years programs such as Playschool Prep, Playschool OUTside, specialty programs, and camps.
Register at portcoquitlam.ca/register.