All Head Start programs in Edmonton have four core services:
1. Early Learning Programming
ABC Head Start Society is an Inclusive Early Learning program that offers classroom-based programming for children prior to Kindergarten. We offer half-day preschool programming for children.
Our programming runs from September to June, 3 to 4 days per week. Bussing may be available to students.
As a private ECS operator, children who are 2 years 8 months to 5 years 6 months and children with significant developmental delays and eligible to receive Program Unit Funding (PUF) are welcome in our program. Our interdisciplinary team of Teachers, Early Childhood Educators, Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, & Behavioural Specialists support children with diverse learning needs.
We see play as being the critical component of learning. Children’s play is an exploratory and expressive process, which guides children in participating and making sense of the world.
Our Head Start teaching teams create personalized learning plans for each child, tailored to individual strengths and learning needs.
2. Family Support and Involvement
We recognize that children thrive in strong and connected families therefore we support families with parenting and family life. Our Family Engagement Team works with families to create meaningful connections and ensure they are involved in their child’s learning journey. The Family Engagement Team provides family support groups, parenting support courses, referrals, mentorship and additional opportunities for parents to connect with one another, make friends and build communities.
We believe that parents are their children’s first teacher, which is why we expect parents to join their child’s learning journey. Our professionals will work with parents to provide strategies that can be used at school, at home and in the community.
The Family Engagement Team aims to help families build life-long resiliency by understanding their personal goals and connecting them with a network of service providers that support them after they transition out of Head Start. For more information see the Family Engagement page.
3. Family and Community Connections
Many families are connected to Head Start for only one year. Throughout the year we provide opportunities for families to connect to health, education and community services.
ABC Head Start believes that having parents and community members give their time and talents makes our program successful. Volunteers help us in many ways; spending time with children, reading books, helping the teachers, supporting with administrative tasks, or being part of Parent Advisory Councils or on our Board of Directors. For more information or to fill out a volunteer application see our Volunteer With Us! page.
4. Multidisciplinary and Community Partnerships
Depending on the needs of each Head Start location, our teams include: Certified Teachers, Early Childhood Educators, Family Engagement Workers, Behaviour Specialists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Speech Language Assistants, Occupational Therapists, and volunteers from the community.
Additionally, ABC Head Start relies on the help of other agencies to help us do the work we do. These partner agencies may work directly in Head Start classrooms or provide support to families outside of Head Start.
We are passionate about advocating for programs, services and social policy that work towards poverty reduction and equal opportunities for all children and families.