Programs & Services

• The Alberta government has developed specific categories to assist schools in identifying students who require additional supports with their educational programming. Each of these categories is given a code, primarily for reporting special education data to Alberta Education.
  
  
• A child is assigned a code once a qualified professional has given a diagnosis of a disability or disorder. This could include a speech pathologist, a psychologist or another type of specialist.
  
  
• A student with a code may, at some point, drop their code. An example of this is with speech and language. Upon re-assessment by a Speech Language Pathologist, it may be revealed that a student has achieved all of the goals and their speech and language skills are now age-appropriate.

• This is an Individualized Program Plan. An IPP is developed if an assessment of the child has shown a need in one or more of the following categories: intellectual abilities, speech and language abilities, academic performance, emotional and behavioural development and/or physical development of a student.
  
  
• An IPP focuses on a student’s individual needs and strengths.
  
  
• An IPP is a plan. What do we do now to help the student continue to be successful in the future?
  
  
• An IPP is a working document and a record of student progress.
  
  
• An IPP is a collaboration between the teacher, the parent and other school personnel involved with the child’s educational program. (Older students are encouraged to be part of the IPP development and updates.)

• Once a diagnosis has been provided, programming is designed and implemented to provide the maximum level of learning for the student.
  
  
• Depending on the need(s), a student may use specialized equipment or assistive technology.
  
  
• The student may be provided with assistance with basic care.
  
  
• If there has been an articulation diagnosis, the student may receive pull-out support from a speech assistant.
  
  
• The Multidisciplinary Team (Physiotherapist, Speech Language Pathologist, Psychologist, Educational Programming Coordinator, Hearing and Vision Services) may be requested to provide support.

Parents MUST present a birth certificate in order to register their child for early
intervention. As well, a specialized assessment that indicates a moderate to severe
level of delay/disability must be provided. Areas of need may include language,
articulation, and/or a medical diagnosis, with priority given to 4 year old's with speech/language delays.

Alberta Education’s eligibility requirements include:
► Have completed specialized assessment within the last six months
that indicates an area of moderate to severe need;
► MUST BE 3 years of age as of December 31, 2023 if results indicate a severe delay;
► MUST BE a resident of the Town of High Level or Mackenzie County;
► For children living on reserve, please call 1-844-588-8748 to inquire about funding.

For more information on Jordan's Principle please visit the Indigenous Services Canada website: Jordan's Principle

Visit our Supply Lists & Registration Page to download a copy of our Early Intervention Handbook and for information on registering your child with FMCS.