Lead Foundation Services and SupportLead 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.

Lead Foundation - Children Playing Musical InstrumentsAlberta 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.


Lead Parent TestimonialsFamily 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.

Developmental/Behavioural Aide Supports (DBA)

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.


Lead Foundation ServicesOther Early Learning Programs

Parents and Children Together (PACT)

With two locations in Calgary, PACT is a community based program for parents, caregivers, and all children up to 5 years of age.  Parents, caregivers, and children are all supported by attending this group together.  Education and support is offered to parents and caregivers while children have the opportunity to learn through play within the playgroup.

Private Assessment and Therapy Services

Assessment and therapy services may be available by request on a fee for service basis.  Our multidisciplinary teams specialize in assessment and therapy within the areas of speech and language skills, motor skills, social interaction and play, pre-academic development, participation and daily living skills.

Additional Learning Opportunities

Lead values ongoing learning and education for our staff, families, and community.  We offer professional development as well as an array of education sessions throughout the year that span a variety of topics.

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