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 exceptional needs.

• A half day morning or afternoon program that operates Monday through Thursday
• Incorporates small class size with a low adult to child ratio
• Provides support to families through Family Oriented Programming (FOP)
• Provides parents and children with a range of multidisciplinary 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 exceptional education needs. Programs are designed to actively involve parent or caregivers in supporting the child’s exceptional 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 are the Early Development Centres located?

Children's Village School
1210 Russet Road N.E.
Calgary AB T2E 5L5
403-777-6114

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

Douglas Harkness School
6203 - 24 Avenue N.E.
Calgary AB T1Y 2C5
403-777-6720

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

North Haven School
4922 North Haven Drive N.W.
Calgary AB T2K 2K2
403-777-6220

Terrace Road School
2103 - 46 Street N.W.
Calgary AB T3B 1B3
403-777-6080

How is this program funded?

• This program is funded through exceptional 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

• Call 403-817-7637
• Read the EDC Brochure (PDF)

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:

• Call the Calgary Board of Education’s Kindergarten office at 403-817-7612.
• Read the Family Oriented Program Brochure (PDF)