ABC Head Start Society Faces Urgent Need for Classroom Space
Edmonton, AB, December 2, 2024 – ABC Head Start Society is calling on developers, landlords, partners and stakeholders to help secure affordable, turnkey space in West Edmonton to replace its current west end site. While the immediate priority is the west, the agency must also vacate two of its spaces in North Edmonton. Without immediate action, over two hundred early learning spaces for Edmonton’s most vulnerable children are at risk for the 2025-26 program year that starts in September.
ABC Head Start Society is a registered children’s charity and for nearly 40 years has been providing early learning, development programs, and family services to ensure every child—regardless of background or ability—has an equal opportunity to thrive. They take a holistic approach, integrating early education with health, nutrition, and family support services at five sites across Edmonton. Many of the children they serve, aged 3 and 4, are neurodivergent and require specialized support from an interdisciplinary team of certified teachers, speech and language pathologists, social workers, and behavior specialists. With three sites at risk, securing new spaces is vital to continuing these life-changing programs for vulnerable children and families.
Finding suitable and safe locations for charities like ABC Head Start is increasingly challenging due to Edmonton's limited availability of space in schools and affordable spaces zoned for educational purposes. Rising costs for leases and operations further exacerbate these challenges, leaving few viable options for organizations seeking to meet the needs of vulnerable children and families.
“The growing demand for affordable space in Edmonton has created challenges for charities like ours,” said Erin Gobolos, Interim Executive Director of ABC Head Start. “However, this is also an opportunity for collaboration. We’re reaching out to landlords, property owners, and stakeholders across Edmonton to work with us in identifying creative solutions.”
She added: “These could include partnerships with other nonprofits or charities whose missions align with ours. By sharing space, we can enhance inclusivity and deliver even more comprehensive support to the children and families we serve.”
To address the issue, ABC Head Start is collaborating with a commercial leasing agent to explore current market options, while also actively working with government agencies and other partners, to identify long-term solutions for space and funding. These efforts are aimed not only at supporting ABC Head Start, but also at addressing challenges faced by other nonprofits navigating Edmonton's limited availability of affordable, appropriately zoned spaces.
As part of this approach, ABC Head Start is turning to the community for help and has outlined specific requirements for the space needed to sustain its critical programs.
Size: 3,000 to 6,000 square feet of affordable, turnkey space
Classrooms: 2 to 4 classrooms
Facilities: Additional space to accommodate gross motor play, administrative offices, resource areas and zoned for childcare/education.
Safety & Security: The space must be secure and safe, with considerations for young children, including those with complex needs. As ABC Head Start provides transportation for this vulnerable population, the site must be able to accommodate small school buses and safe pick-up and drop-off areas.
Outdoor Space: Access to build or utilize existing outdoor play areas would be a huge asset.
If you or someone you know has a lead on available space, please contact Interim Executive Director, Erin Gobolos, at egobolos@abcheadstart.org.
For questions or interviews, please contact:
Erin Gobolos
Interim Executive Director
Egobolos@abcheadstart.org
780.721.5519