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 which may include the expertise of the following specialists:
  • Speech & Language Therapists
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Behavioural Consultant
• Individual Program Planning (IPP)
• Junior Kindergarten fees may be covered in exceptional circumstances.

Children with Significant Delays

Available for eligible children ages 2 years and 8 months to 4 years and 8 months of age on September 1st (maximum of 3 years).

• The funding runs during the school year – September to June.
• Children typically attend kindergarten or junior kindergarten programs.
• 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 Individual Learning Plan (ILP) plan is established based on the child’s strengths and areas of need. 
  • Each child’s learning plan includes goals and strategies from therapists and/or specialists.
  • 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.
  • The ILP for the child is reviewed on an ongoing basis; a minimum of twice a year.

    
    

Children with Moderate Delays

Available for eligible children aged 2 years and 8 months to 4 years and 8 months on September 1st (maximum of 2 years).

• Each child is assigned a certified teacher with a 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 teachers, therapists and/or specialists.
• 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