Early Intervention

Program Overview

Foothills School Division offers two types of early intervention services and programming in accordance with Alberta Education’s Standards for the Provision of Early childhood Special Education. Early Intervention Services include any number or combination of the following types of supports:

• Educational Assistant Time (This is typically shared between children, with some exceptions).
• Consultation and/or direct therapy (e.g. Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Behavioral Consultant, etc.)
• Junior Kindergarten/Preschool fees may be covered in exceptional circumstances.

Children with Significant Delays

Available for eligible children ages 2.5 - 6 years of age on September 1st (maximum of 3 years).

• The program runs during the school year – September to June.
• Children typically attend kindergarten or Junior Kindergarten/preschool programs. They may also receive some extra programming on alternate days.
• A learning team (e.g. parent, caregiver, therapist(s), educational assistant, certified teacher, learning coach, etc.) is formed according to the child’s identified needs.
• An Inclusive Learning Plan (ILP) plan is established based on the child’s strengths and areas of need.
• The learning plan is designed to blend in with the child's naturally occurring routines and activities at home, school, in group sessions and out in the community.
• Family-Oriented Programming sessions are a integral part of our programming. These are individually planned, developmentally appropriate learning sessions for the child, designed to actively involve the parents/caregiver in learning how to support the child’s educational programming.

Children with Moderate Delays

Available for eligible children ages 3.5 - 5 years of age on September 1st (maximum of 2 years).

• These children typically attend Junior Kindergarten/preschool programs.
• Each child is assigned a certified teacher with specialization in early childhood and inclusive education.
• An Inclusive Learning Plan (ILP) is created for each child that blends in with his or her naturally occurring routines and activities at home, school, in group sessions and out in the community.
• Each child’s learning plan includes recommendations and strategies from therapists and/or specialists (e.g. Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, etc.).
• The ILP for the child is reviewed on an ongoing basis; a minimum of twice a year.

Questions?

Contact: Dinah VanDonzel, Director of Student Learning JK-6