Lead Services Overview
We believe children learn best through play and within naturally occurring day-to-day activities. Using an “I do, we do, you do” model for learning, we work through the stages of skill development together with children, families, and community partners.
Depending on the needs of the child and family, as well as upon the type of program, support may be provided at home, in the family’s chosen Early Childhood Services (ECS) program (e.g., community preschool, daycare or kindergarten), and/or in the community. Together, with our Teams, we will develop strong, flexible programs that may include a combination of the following:
- Individual child and family sessions
- Small groups and/or classroom strategies and activities
- Collaborative coaching and consultation with parents/guardians and/or ECS staff
- Caregiver learning opportunities (e.g., parent or ECS staff workshops)
- Team meetings and consultation with other professionals
Lead Foundation manages funding from two main funders, Alberta Education and Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD).
Alberta Education Programs
With funding from Alberta Education, Lead manages two programs: Program Unit Funding (PUF) and Mild-Moderate Funding (MM). Eligibility for these programs is determined by Alberta Education.
Our teams work within family’s chosen preschool, daycare, day home or independent kindergarten program (ECS programs).
Coordinated by our Teacher and supported by our multi-disciplinary teams, children’s program will be developed based on the unique needs of the child, family, and ECS site.
Program Unit Funding (PUF)
Alberta Education provides a program called Program Unit Funding (PUF) to assist children with diverse needs within a school or community ECS program.
Our experienced teams help children develop skills and strategies to encourage success in areas such as talking, listening, playing, moving, learning, and participating. We work closely with families and ECS programs to create developmentally appropriate plans with goals and strategies that are tailored to each child’s strengths and areas of need. PUF programs may include an Educational Assistant.
Mild-Moderate Funding
Alberta Education provides Mild-Moderate (MM) funding to assist children with diverse needs affecting their learning in the classroom. Some children may have more significant needs in areas including speech, fine motor, or classroom learning needs and be eligible for this support.
Our team creates flexible, goal-focused programs to support all children in experiencing success within their family’s chosen ECS program.
English as a Second Language Funding
For families new to Canada or families who speak another language at home, our staff may help parents access resources and make connections within their community.
Lead does not currently access English as an Additional Language (EAL) funding for families. We support families accessing community supports and utilizing this program during the child’s school years (Kindergarten and beyond). This funding is available for children for a maximum of five years.
Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) Programs
Lead is a contracted Agency with FSCD. We will manage approximately 30 programs for families of children who meet eligibility requirements.
Building upon each family’s unique priorities, our Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) programs provide support within the home and community.
Specialized Services
We support families of children with severe disabilities in learning how they can help their child grow and participate in everyday activities at home and in their community. We take pride in the flexibility we can offer families when tailoring Specialized Services programs to suit their needs. Our teams are experienced in working with children with a variety of needs and their families. We specialize in supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families.
We support children eligible for both Specialized Services and Program Unit Funding (PUF – an Alberta Education program). Working within the Common Approach Framework, we will coordinate both programs using one Lead team or we will collaborate with other Service Providers.
Behavioural/Developmental Supports (BDS)
Our BDS programs serve two main purposes: to guide families in learning how to support their child’s development and to help children and their families practice learned skills and strategies across environments to promote independence.
Triple P Positive Parenting Program
Triple P is a parent directed program aiming to build parents’ knowledge, skills, and confidence in helping their child develop positive behaviours.
Other Early Learning Programs
Additional Learning Opportunities
Lead values ongoing learning and education for our staff, families, and community. We offer an array of education sessions throughout the year that span a variety of topics.