Parent Assist provides an opportunity for children in Pre CanSkate to learn the basics of skating with one of their parents/guardians on the ice with them.   Skaters are included in the group lesson format and are to take part in the circuits that are being provided.  The parent/guardian is to stay in the lesson with their skater and is there to provide support and encouragement to their young beginner.   When the Pre CanSkater has progressed to the point where they can complete the following eight elements, they have completed the Pre CanSkate program and are moved into the applicable CanSkate group:

Balance on 2 feet,
Fall down and get up,
Move forward,
Move backward,
March around the spot,
Make snow,
Jump on the spot, and
2-foot twist on the spot

When the skater is moved into CanSkate, we will have determined that they have sufficient skills and ability to stay on the ice by themselves and we will, at that time, ask parents to leave the ice.

The Skate Canada helmet policy applies to adults on the ice and it states that:

“All Skate Canada member clubs and skating schools who offer a CanSkate program must ensure all CanSkate and Adult CanSkate participants up to and including Stage 5 must wear a CSA approved hockey helmet while on the ice.”

Why has up to and including Stage 5 been selected as the benchmark for helmet use?

Skaters who lack good control and/or balance when skating forward or backward and have difficulty stopping, as well as maneuvering around obstacles on the ice, are at a higher risk of being unable to control a fall, regardless of their age.

We welcome your feedback! 
Should you have any concerns regarding the program or the helmet policy please don hesitate to get in touch.