Parent Resources and FAQs

I think my child may have a disability/delay and I need help with a diagnosis:

Alberta Health Services Healthy information by age and topic
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Contact EIPS' Early Learning Services to inquire about a free speech-language pathology screening for your child.
780-417-8219

My child has been identified with a disability/delay. What's next?

Depending on you child's age, he or she may be eligible for early intervention through the pre-kindergarten (PALS) program. Learn more about program eligibility.

What funding is available for my child and how do we access it?

Program Unit Funding (PUF) is provided by Alberta Education to school authorities for children with severe disabilities (based on formal diagnosis) who are older than two years, eight months of age and younger than four years, eight months of age on September 1 who require support beyond what is offered in regular Early Childhood Services (ECS) programs. Learn more about PUF.

Transportation fees may apply for children attending an EIPS PALS program. Contact Student Transportation for more information, 780-417-8151.

What other supports are available for children with delays or disabilities?

My child has not been diagnosed with a disability/delay, but I think he or she might need extra help to prepare for kindergarten:

My Child’s Learning - common questions (how can my child prepare for the transition from home to kindergarten?)
The Galileo Network - is your child ready for kindergarten?
Early Literacy: Preparing for Kindergarten

What community options and programming are available for my child?

If your child has not been identified with a disability/delay, local early childhood development (ECD) community coalitions and other community pre-school options may provide services to suit your family's needs:

Additional Resources for Parents

General

Play

Literacy

Preschool Talk Box The purpose of the Talk Box is to give parents suggestions to help create language-rich environments at home, in the park, at the mall, or anywhere. It is meant to be a resource for any parent. It is not meant to be a substitute for a speech-language pathologist.
Talk Box: Your 2 Year Old!
Talk Box: Your 3 Year Old!
Talk Box: Your 4 Year Old!

Alberta Education Literacy Support
Literacy is more than reading and writing. Working together families can help support literacy develop and success for their children.

Zero to Three Early Literacy
A variety of videos and learning guides from the Zero to Three organization that explains the development of early literacy skills.

Alberta Reads
The Alberta Reads Network works with schools, educators, volunteers, researchers and community partners across Alberta to offer programs, events and resources to encourage a passion for reading at every age. Our early literacy network inspires children to read with confidence and joy by Grade 3.