FAQs

What do families have to say about Step by Step?

Early Childhood Services - Preschool and Kindergarten

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

  • If you are interested in registering your child please fill out an ECS inquiry form. One of our team members will be in touch to discuss next steps.

  • Absolutely. If you would like to come for a tour please fill out an ECS registration inquiry and one of our team members will be in touch to arrange a date and time to come for a tour.

  • 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.

First Steps

  • 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.

  • Children must be at least 19 months old to attend First Steps. Children may continue to attend First Steps until they are age eligible for PUF which is 2 year, 8 months by September 1.

  • Our classes are unparented, meaning children attend independently to build confidence and skills in a supportive environment.

    We understand that leaving your toddler can feel daunting—that’s completely normal. Our team is here to support both you and your child through the transition with warmth, patience, and clear communication.

    Even though you won't be in the classroom, you’ll remain an important part of your child’s journey. We provide snapshots of your child’s day and share practical strategies for home.

  • Yes. To support your child’s independence and help them fully engage with the class, we kindly ask that parents do not remain in the classroom. However, you're welcome to relax or get some work done in our designated parent lounge located 2 minutes away. Please let us know if you’d like to access this space at registration.

  • If you are interested in registering your child please fill out a First Steps registration inquiry. One of our team members will be in touch to discuss next steps.

  • Yes. As long as we are not full, we accept children in First Steps throughout the year. Please fill out an First Steps Registration Inquiry and our team will be in touch.

  • Yes. Snack time is an important part of our classroom routine offering a great natural opportunity to work on many skills. Please pack your child a healthy, nut free snack for the class. If they are attending the late morning class feel free to pack lunch instead.

  • Absolutely. If your child attends the late morning session you are welcome to pack their lunch and we will ensure they have an opportunity to eat it during class. Lunch time is a wonderful natural opportunity for children to work on many skills.

  • There is no transportation available for the First Steps program. We do offer transportation for our Preschool and Kindergarten programs.

  • 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.

  • 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. 

  • We welcome anyone to attend our Step Together support group regardless of whether they have a child that attends our programs or not.

    Currently our other Family Programs are available only to families with a child enrolled in one of our programs.

In Home (FSCD) and Family Programs