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
- Find healthcare service providers
- 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.
What other supports are available for children with delays or disabilities?
- Family Support for Children with Disabilities
- Alberta Health Services Early Intervention Programs
- Welcome to the Family - An information guide for parents who have a child with a disability
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:
- Pre-school and child care look up through Alberta Human Services
- Out-of-school care options
- Provincial Family Resource Networks
- Fort Saskatchewan Families First Society
- Lamont County Family and Community Support Services
- Strathcona County Parent Resources
- Strathcona County Child and Youth Coalition
- Vegreville Family and Community Support Services
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.