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preschool

At this time the Calgary Board of Education does not provide preschool programs for typically developing children.

Preschool for children with special needs

The Calgary Board of Education currently provides preschool programs for children identified with special needs who are 3 to 5 years of age.

» Standards for the Provision of Early Childhood Special Education, Alberta Education (2006).

THE EARLY DEVELOPMENT CENTRE (EDC)

What is the Early Development Centre?

The Early Development Centre (EDC) is an early intervention preschool program designed to provide educational programming for preschool children with identified special needs.

  • A half day morning or afternoon  program that operates Monday through Friday
  • Incorporates small class size with a low adult to child ratio
  • Provides support to families through Family Oriented Programming (FOPS)
  • Provides parents and children with a range of professional and therapeutic supports

EDC allows young children to:

  • Build confidence in a school setting
  • Enhance communication skills
  • Develop social  and emotional skills
  • Develop fine and gross motor skills
  • Learn through play in small class settings
  • Interact with typical children as part of an elementary school setting

How does EDC develop specialized programming to fit the individual needs of each child and their family?

Each EDC classroom is staffed with:

  • A certified teacher
  • Educational Assistant(s) and/or Speech Language Assistant(s) and/or Behaviour Support Worker(s)

The following supports are also available:

  • Speech Language Pathologist
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Physical Therapist
  • Psychologist
  • Resource Teacher
  • Specialists

EDC also provides support for children and their families through Family Oriented Programming (FOP).

  • FOP sessions are individually planned and developmentally appropriate interventions for children with special education needs. Programs are designed to actively involve parent or caregivers in supporting the child’s special education goals
  • Family Oriented Programming facilitators work with families on strategies for how to meet a child's educational needs in the home and community

Will my child qualify for this program?

    To be eligible, children must be:

  • 2 ½ to 4 ½ years old as of September 1 and be identified with severe disabilities/delays by qualified professionals (paediatrician, psychiatrist, psychologist, speech language pathologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist)
  • 3 ½ to 4 ½ years old as of September 1 and be identified with mild/moderate disabilities/delays by qualified professionals (paediatrician, psychiatrist,  psychologist, speech language pathologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist)

Where is the Early Development Centre located?

James Short Memorial School
6333 - 5 Avenue S.E.
Calgary, Alberta T2A 3V7
403-777-8170

Deer Run School
2127 - 146 Avenue S.E.
Calgary, AB T2J 6P8
403-777-6840

How is this program funded?

  • This program is funded through special education grants (Program Unit Funding and Mild/Moderate Funding) provided by Alberta Education
  • Parents are responsible for paying a small school fee

Is transportation provided?

For children receiving PUF: Transportation is available within the designated area at a minimal cost per child (waivers available).

For children who do not qualify for PUF funding: Parents are responsible for transporting their children to and from the program.

For more information:

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THE CHILDREN’S VILLAGE PRESCHOOL

What is the Children’s Village Preschool?

Children’s Village Preschool is an early intervention program designed to provide  educational programming for preschool children with identified social and emotional challenges.

  • For 3- and 5 1/2-year-olds who are exhibiting severe emotional and behavioural difficulties.
  • A full day program that operates Monday through Thursday
  • Incorporates small class size with a low adult to child ratio
  • Provides professional support and therapeutic services to children and their families

This Early Childhood Services (ECS) program:

  • Is a strength based, developmentally appropriate program for young children
  • Enhances communication skills
  • Develops fine and gross motor skills
  • Allows for learning through play in small class settings

How does the Children’s Village Program develop specialized programming to fit the individual needs of each child and their family?

Each child has an Individual Program Plan (IPP) which is developed by the school learning team (including parents/caregivers). This IPP is reviewed several times throughout the school year to ensure ongoing appropriateness.

Each CVP classroom is staffed with:

  • A certified teacher
  • Behaviour/Child-Care Counsellor(s)  

The following supports are also available:

  • Speech Language Pathologist and/or Speech Language Assistant(s)
  • Family Support Worker(s)
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Physical Therapist
  • Psychologist
  • Psychiatrist
  • Specialists

Will my child qualify for this program?

    To be eligible, children must be:

  • 3- to 5½-years-old as of September 1 and be identified with a severe social/emotional/behavioural disability by qualified professionals (paediatrician, psychiatrist, psychologist, speech language pathologist)

Where is the Children’s Village Program located?

  • 1210 Russet Road N.E.
    Calgary, AB, T2E 5L5
    403-777-6114

Is transportation provided?

  • Transportation is provided at a minimal cost per child (waivers available)

How is this program funded?

  • This program is funded through special education grants (Program Unit Funding) provided by Alberta Education
  • Parents are responsible for paying a small school fee

For more information:

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FAMILY ORIENTED PROGRAM

As parents, you are valuable members of your child’s School Learning Team. Program sessions build on your family’s strengths. Sessions are arranged to best fit schedules.

You can have the help you need to support your child’s Individual Program Plan (IPP) goals at home and in the community.

Your family will receive at least 6 total hours of session time. You will learn helpful strategies to support your child to learn, work, behave and play in healthy, positive ways. Support workers can help you access community services.

For more information:

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ki Web Administrator: L. Diemert
Last Modified: December 23, 2011