What is Kiddikins?
Kiddikins is a pre-kindergarten aged program based on kinesthetic learning or learning through movement. Kiddikins provides instructors with the instruction and equipment necessary to offer a dynamic learning experience. Curricular topics include the recognition of colors, numbers, letters, shapes and concepts including same and different, opposites, simple science and more. Kiddikins was developed in British Columbia, Canada in 2001. After being tested in recreation centers, daycares and preschools, Kiddikins is now offered in B.C., Alberta and the Yukon.

How is Kiddikins different?
Kiddikins offers learning through movement. While playing Educational Movement Games children learn physical, cognitive and social skills. Most games are introduced using a concept story followed by a physical skill (i.e running, jumping, balance). The final game incorporates the concept of the story and the physical skill to create learning through movement.

Is it necessary to use the whole Kiddikins program?
Kiddikins can be used as the sole base for a pre-kindergarten program or be used to supplement an existing program. The Kiddikins Move & Learn kit includes 60 - one hour lesson plans designed to be offered annually from September to June. The Kiddikins Move Learn & Create kit includes 60 - two hour lesson plans also designed to be offered annually from September to June including Educational Movement Games, snack and project suggestions for each class.

What age range is Kiddikins appropriate for?
Kiddikins is age appropriate for one year pre-kindergarten. Kids can be 3 3/4 years old in September, however must turn four years old by Dec. 31 of that year. Kids turning four years old between September and December should plan to start Kindergarten the following September. Quest Leisure Ltd. does not recommend the program to kids under 3 3/4 years.

How many kids can attend? Maximum? Minimum?
The maximum number is ten (10) kids per class, however the class can be offered to a minimum of six (6) kids.

How many staff members are needed?
One instructor is required to offer Kiddikins, however if a second instructor is financially accessible - two instructors would provide a lower child:instructor ratio.

The Kiddikins Educational Movement Games are repeated. Do the kids get bored?
Kiddikins Educational Movement Games (EMGs) are introduced and repeated during the following 2-3 classes. By the third time, the game is played efficiently. Throughout the set, games are added and removed. Near the end of the set, the major concept games are reviewed and repeated. On the last class of each set, the instructor is encouraged to offer a Special Day Celebration. On this day, kids demonstrate to family and friends some of the EMGs played during the set.

Is Kiddikins suitable for kids with different learning abilities and challenges?
Kiddikins has been used with many kids including those with different learning abilities and challenges. As with most programs, the ability to participate depends on the severity of the condition. Kids with more severe challenges could possibly participate if accompanied by a qualified aid.

Does Kiddikins contain any religious content?
Kiddikins does not include formal religious content. There is a page in a color book representing the winter season and the color red that includes red lights on a decorated Christmas tree and a gift with a red bow.

Does Kiddikins contain any controversial subjects?
Kiddikins does not include controversial subjects. There is a page in a color book representing the color black that includes a black cat, a black lamp post, a black spider and a black house. The character in the picture has black hair and a black cloud is partially covering the moon. There are also black bats flying from the house. There is no association to witchery, death or any other controversial subject. Although mostly black in color, the page is a fun, kid-friendly illustration.

Do snack suggestions include nut related snacks?
Due to the high incidence of nut related allergies, there are no nut related snacks suggested in the Kiddikins day plans.

How long is a Kiddikins program?
Kiddikins is made up of three (3) sets. Each set is made up of twenty (20) classes.

• Kiddikins I is generally offered mid September to the end of November.
• Kiddikins II is offered mid January to the end of March.
• Kiddikins III is offered the beginning of April to mid June.

Can a Kiddikins based program start mid-way through the year?
Although it is most beneficial to start a Kiddikins based program in September, it is possible to start mid-way through the school year. The Kiddikins games and activities are age appropriate for children one year before kindergarten and correspond with the Fall, Winter and Spring seasons. A centre wishing to start a program mid-way through the year would use the Instructor Reference Manual corresponding to the nearest season. For example, a centre starting in January would use the Kiddikins Set II Instructor Reference Manual which is used from mid-January to the end of March.

Can kids register mid-way through a set?
Although it is most beneficial for kids to attend from September to June, kids can register mid-way through a set. The Kiddikins games and activities are age appropriate for children one year before kindergarten. As long as the child is age appropriate for kindergarten the following September and space is available, kids are able to register and start a Kiddikins based program mid-way through a set. Note: Quest Leisure Ltd. does not recommend kids start a Kiddikins based program after Class 15/20 is offered. In this case, it is best for the child to wait until the start of the next set.

Many Kiddikins based centres have an 'interest list' for upcoming years. Some centres have names on an interest list years in advance!

How much space is needed to offer Kiddikins?
All Educational Movement Games are ideally played on or in a game space measuring 4.3m x 4.3m (14ft. x 14ft.) - based on a class size of 10 children. An open area, free of obstacles, measuring 7.3m x 7.3m (24ft. x 24ft.) is required to allow for a safety zone. An outline of the game space can be made by marking lines using paint or tape (painters tape works well). Four corner cones are included in the Kiddikins kit and can be used to mark each corner of the square. A portable game space, made of elastic rope, is available from Quest Leisure Ltd.... for use on grass, sand or snow.

Kiddikins includes On-the-Spot game adaptations for centres having limited space.

After purchasing a Kiddikins kit, what is necessary to start a program based solely on Kiddikins?
Like any program being added to your next promotion / brochure:

• Name the program.
• Book the facility.
• Insure the program.
• Determine if a license is necessary from the Ministry of Health.
• Set up registration.
• Program an instructor.
• Promote the program.
• Organize snack and project supplies (if using the Move Learn & Create kit).

Can the Kiddikins name be used by other centers?
Kiddikins is a trademarked name of Quest Leisure Ltd. and cannot be used by others. Centres are welcome to use a name of their choice for their program. A Kiddikins membership permits centres to promote a program as being 'Kiddikins Based'.

What is a Kiddikins membership?
The purchase of a Kiddikins kit includes a complimentary two (2) year Kiddikins membership. A Kiddikins membership includes the following benefits:

• Centre's name, location and contact number is posted on kiddikins.com website
• Permission granted to promote program as being 'Kiddikins Based'
• Access to the Kiddikins catalogue and to the Kiddikins workshops

Is a Kiddikins membership necessary?
The purchase of a Kiddikins kit includes a complimentary two (2) year Kiddikins membership. During this time, centres have the opportunity to benefit from the advantages of membership (see What is a Kiddikins membership?).Centres are encouraged to re-new in order to continue to benefit, however, membership is optional.

Is a preschool license necessary to offer Kiddikins?
Centres are advised to visit their local licensing department regarding licensing regulations. The program is offered like other programs including swimming, skating, or arts & crafts. Centres offering the program in a preschool or daycare environment are required to be licensed by the Ministry of Health. Visit your local Ministry of Health Licensing Office for more details.

Who is responsible for insurance relating to a Kiddikins based program?
The centre offering the program is responsible for liability insurance. Centres use Kiddikins as an activity resource, the same as a reference book or game. A Kiddikins membership gives permission to promote a program as being 'Kiddikins Based'.

What supplies and equipment are needed for Kiddikins?
Centres require no additional movement game equipment. All Educational Movement Game supplies are provided in the Kiddikins kit including Kiddikins Card Sets, Kiddikins Game Ropes, and Kiddikins Game Sticks.

Centres are responsible for supplying snack and project supplies. Snacks are equivalent to one portion of the National Food Guide (i.e. one bread, one fruit, or one dairy product per child per class). Creative plans include common art/craft supplies such as glue, scissors, construction paper, white paper, crayons, paints, tissue paper, wooden craft sticks, cotton balls, pipe cleaners and small paper bags.

Note: Concept story books are not included as part of the Educational Movement
         Game supplies.

How much will it cost for supplies each year? Projects? Snacks?
Centres are responsible for the cost of snack and project supplies. The cost of snack and project supplies depends on the suppliers, the number of classes being offered and the number of children per class.

How much time is needed for one class including set up, take down and prep?
Each two hour class requires minimal time to set-up and take down (~15 min.). There is no pre-class prep for centres using only the Move & Learn kit. Pre-class preparation for the Move Learn & Create kit varies from class to class (0-30 minutes). Each lesson plan includes class prep (i.e. purchasing snack and preparing and/or purchasing project supplies).

How much does the Kiddikins kit cost?
Kiddikins kits are available in two packages:

• Move & Learn
• Move Learn & Create

Is support available relating to Kiddikins games and activities?
Quest Leisure Ltd. is available for support. Contact support@kiddikins.com or call 604-852-5547. If necessary, a support member will visit for 'on-site' consultation. There is no charge for email or telephone support, however, there may be a charge for on-site consultation. Kiddikins Workshops are available in private, semi-private or group formats. See Kiddikins Workshops for details.