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, we develop strong, flexible programs that may include a combination of the following:
- Individual child and family sessions
- Small groups and/or classroom activities
- Collaborative coaching and consultation with parents and/or ECS staff
- Caregiver learning opportunities (e.g., Family Oriented Program Sessions, parent workshops)
- Other supporting activities essential to each child’s program and success such as team meetings, consultation with other professionals, and documentation of the work we do to remain accountable to families, community partners, and funders.
Alberta Education Programs
With funding from Alberta Education, we follow the family’s lead by working within their chosen Early Childhood Services (ECS) program (e.g., community preschool, daycare or kindergarten program).
Coordinated by a Teacher and supported by a clinical team as needed, Lead works closely with children, families, and ECS providers to build strong programs that reflect the unique needs of each child and family.
Program Unit Funding (PUF)
Alberta Education provides Program Unit Funding (PUF) to assist children between the ages of 2 years, 8 months and less than 6 years of age (as of September 1 of the school year) with severe delays within a school or community ECS program.
Our experienced teams help children develop age-appropriate skills to encourage later school success in areas such as talking, listening, playing, moving, learning, and participating. We work closely with families and ECS programs to create developmentally appropriate, measurable goals that are tailored to each child’s strengths and needs.
We support children eligible for both PUF and Specialized Services (a Family Support for Children with Disabilities program). Working within the Common Approach Framework, we will coordinate both programs using one Lead team or we will collaborate with other Service Providers.
Mild-Moderate Funding
Alberta Education provides Mild-Moderate funding to assist children between the ages of 
3 years, 8 months and less than 6 years of age (as of September 1 of the school year) with mild to moderate delays within a school or community ECS program.
Our team creates flexible, goal-focused programs to support these 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 can help parents access resources and make connections within their community.
With English as a Second Language (ESL) funding through Alberta Education, we build programs rich in language and experiences while respecting family culture and traditions. For children as young as 3 years, 8 months old our ESL programs focus on play-based activities within ECS programs and early literacy activities to be used at home.
Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) Programs
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 DBA 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.
