Program Unit Funding (PUF) is provided by Alberta Education to educational authorities (like Step by Step) for children with severe disabilities/delays who require additional support beyond that offered in a regular Early Childhood Services (ECS) program. It provides for individualized programming that meets the educational needs of children who are at least 2 years, 8 months and less than 6 years of age on September 1. 

Parents/guardians cannot apply for PUF – this is done by Step by Step upon a child’s registration in our ECS program (preschool or kindergarten). Documentation of the child’s diagnosis and proof of citizenship/legal residency is required to complete the funding application process. 

Eligible children can receive a maximum of three years of PUF. The third year will be considered the child’s kindergarten year. Re-registration for each school year is required and updated diagnosis documentation may be required. 

Children will participate in age and developmentally appropriate lessons and activities with focused support from our classroom team which includes teachers, classroom leads, developmental aides, behaviour strategists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, conductive education therapists, and music therapists. This team works collaboratively to ensure a consistent approach is implemented to best meet your child’s unique needs. 

Transportation is an available service option for eligible children attending our centre-based ECS program. Spots are limited and dependent on availability which includes geographic determinants and physical space in the van. Transportation is not available for First Steps.

Registration typically opens mid-late January each year. Watch our website and social media accounts for updates.

No. We understand it takes time to monitor delays in development and navigate the medical system when exploring a potential diagnosis. Our aim with First Steps is to provide therapeutic early intervention as early as possible to give children the best start before formalized funding is available. Toddlers 19 months and up may attend.

Children will participate in age and developmentally appropriate, play-based activities with the support of our team of developmental aides. Speech therapy, conductive education, and music therapy support the communication, motor, sensory, and social needs of our littlest learners.

Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) funding is provided by Alberta’s Ministry of Seniors, Community and Social Services to provide supports and services to raise your child and promote their healthy development. Families with an FSCD contract may hire a service provider or facilitate the contract independently. Services are primarily delivered in the home.  
 
Step by Step is an FSCD service provider. Currently we are only accepting new specialized services or behaviour developmental support contracts with children connected to our First Steps or ECS programs.

Visit www.alberta.ca/fscd-how-to-apply. The online application form and information about documents needed to complete your application are outlined there. 

• Family Programs are part of our commitment to supporting families navigating unique and complex needs. Professional support, parenting courses, support groups, and community engagement events are offered regularly and provide valuable opportunities for families to connect, learn, and grow alongside others on a similar journey.