Eligibility
Children between the age of 2 years 8 months and 4 years 8 months, on August 31st of the respective school year, may be eligible to receive support services within their preschool or child care centre classrooms. All enrollments must be received by Alberta Education by September 29th of the respective school year.
Children aged 2 years 8 months on August 31st of the respective school year, may be eligible for Program Unit Funding (PUF) if they meet eligibility criteria following a standardised assessment.
Children aged 3 years 8 months on August 31st of the respective school year, may be eligible for Program Unit Funding (PUF); or Mild Moderate Funding (MM); if they meet eligibility criteria following a standardised assessment.
Prioritisation
Alberta Education has prioritised the identification and remediation of Severe, Mild and Moderate needs by funding services prior to the child’s entry into Elementary School.
All children receiving services from Kids Developmental Services are offered and have access to a full program i.e. 300 hours for PUF children between the age of 2 years 8 months and 3 years 7 months; 400 hours for PUF children between the age of 3 years 8 months and 4 years 7 months; and 475 hours of programming for children accessing MM funding. Alberta Education’s philosophy of Family Oriented Decision Making, allows parents to develop programming that suits the needs of their child and their family.
Programming
Young children learn best when programming meets their developmental needs and occurs in their natural environment with same aged peers.
Development
Early childhood education with preschool-aged children identified with diverse learning needs, helps them to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes that prepare them for later learning.
