The Fort Vermilion School Division offers a Pre-Kindergarten Program to children who require additional support beyond that offered in a regular ECS program. The intention of the program is to provide early intervention to address the specific needs of the individual child and better prepare them for schooling. Children meeting certain requirements are entitled to an additional year of programming (ages 3 years 8 months as of September 1). They will be prioritized based on the severity of their need. This is available for children who:
- Are acquiring English as an additional language
- Require French programming
- Have a mild speech delay
- Have a mild cognitive disability
- Are immature
- Are gifted/talented
Children who are First Nations living on a reservation do not qualify for Alberta educational funding until they have reached the age of at least 4 years 8 months as of September 1.
The Fort Vermilion School Division also offers a PUF Program to children with a severe disability or severe language delay who require additional support beyond that offered in a regular ECS program.
To be eligible:
- Children must be a minimum age of 2 years 8 months and less than 6 years of age on September 1. Students over 6 years are no longer eligible for PUF funding. They will be enrolled in grade 1 classes and have their needs supported within inclusive education.
- An assessment by a qualified professional of a severe disability or severe language delay must be provided to school authorities.
- Documentation must include a recent thorough assessment (for example, medical, psycho-educational, or speech and language pathology among others, depending on the disability).
- A Learning Team must be in place to guide the program for each PUF-funded child. The Learning Team should include the caregiver, ECS teacher, Inclusive Education Coordinator, other school personnel as appropriate and additional service providers who are involved in developing, implementing and monitoring the child’s program.
- An Individualized Program Plan must be in place and implemented.
- Copies of all documentation, including assessment, program planning and budget information, must be kept on file at the school.
Due to limited physical space and personnel restraints, children will be prioritized and put on a wait list according to the following:
- Children who qualify for Program Unit Funding (PUF) and are between the ages of 2 years 8 months and 4 years 8 months as of September 1.
- Children between the ages of 3 years 8 months and 4 years 8 months as of September 1 with a formal assessment that meets the criteria for a mild delay/disability.
- Children between the ages of 3 years 8 months and 4 years 8 months as of September 1 who are acquiring English as an additional language. A language proficiency assessment is required.
- Children who are between the ages of 3 years 8 months and 4 years 8 months as of September 1 who are gifted and talented. A formal assessment is required.
- Immature children who are between the ages of 3 years 8 months and 5 years 8 months as of September 1 (entering grade 1 when they are 6 years 8 months as of September 1).
Standards for the Provision of Early Childhood Special Education