PUF Providers

Program Unit Funding (PUF)

Alberta Education provides Program Unit Funding (PUF) for families to access early intervention support. This is programming for children who require additional support to prepare them for Kindergarten and Grade 1. Depending on the level of support needed, children can access PUF services as early as 2 years 8 months and for a maximum of 3 years, with the last year intended for kindergarten. Children must be at least 5 years old as of December 31 of the year they have started Kindergarten. PUF services begin in September of each year & you MUST register your child for programming before September 29th otherwise they will not have the funding support for the year.

Contact your local independent ECS operator for more information about available programming and registering your child. Some community preschools (not listed here) offer their own PUF program. We recommend that you call your community preschool directly if you are interested and ask them if they could provide PUF supports for your child.

The following list includes service providers (agencies) that work with a child in their community school as well as some independent schools that have their own therapy team on site. These organizations can offer PUF services when FSCD funding for home services is not in place. Some also offer Mild/Moderate support for children without severe delays that do need extra help within the classroom.

Some service providers may offer FSCD rates, however not all professionals within an organization charge the same, so some may still require parents to top-up the rate. Please check in with each service provider individually.
 

 
Airdrie Foundation 4 Early Childhood Intervention (Inspiration Station)

Airdrie Foundation 4 Early Childhood Intervention is a private ECS operator providing services at Inspiration Station (an independent preschool in Airdrie) and at The Village Kindergarten. They have very specific suitability criteria and a child’s primary diagnosis should be communication delays and/or disorders. Contact them to determine eligibility/suitability for programming.

     
    Behaviour Therapy and Learning Centre (BTLC)

    A specialized ABA based preschool/kindergarten program providing in-home and community support. Applied Behavioral Approach (ABA). Although it is a separate organization, they recommend that children involved in a BTLC program also access home services through Autism Partnership for a consistent approach

       
      Beyond Speech Therapy Services Inc.

      Provides PUF services to some preschools and daycares as well as person-centered pediatric speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and behaviour consulting.Their team can offer support with Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC).

         
        Centre for Autism Services Alberta

        Provides Early Childhood Education (PUF) services for children in Edmonton and Calgary. They offer onsite pre-kindergarten and kindergarten PUF programming. CFASA’s vision is to support individuals with autism in leading meaningful, engaged lives; their purpose is to empower autistic people and their families to thrive. They also provide BDS and SS services.

           
          Foothills Creative Beginnings

          Provides early intervention services, (PUF) & Mild Moderate (M/M) as well as English as an Additional Language (EAL) in their preschools and kindergarten classrooms located in Cochrane and Calgary.

             
            Get Ready for Inclusion Today (GRIT) Calgary Society

            Provides PUF services in the home, a community preschool, a daycare program or an educational setting in the community.

               
              Heartland Agency and Educational Services

              Provides ECS programming for children aged 3-6 in multiple areas of the city. All children who are accepted qualify for PUF and attend 5 days a week for a half day program. Heartland endeavors to support families with the most need through our door to door bussing, food program, and family centered programming.

                 
                I’m for Kids

                Provides PUF and Mild/Moderate preschool programming as well as English as a Second Language (ESL) to children in their family, community and early childhood settings. I’m for Kids Team forms Preschool Partnerships with over 80 private preschools throughout Calgary and surrounding areas (Okotoks, Chestermere, Strathmore & Airdrie)

                   
                  Kids Developmental Services

                  Kids Developmental Services teams (certificated teachers, assistants, and therapists) work with your child in a community preschool or child care centre of your choice within Calgary, Okotoks or Foothills.

                     
                    KIN-DIR Education Foundation

                    An early childhood services operator, providing early intervention for children in Calgary and surrounding areas. They partner with daycares and preschools to support student development and learning in the home, school, and community. They have an intensive in-school and/or in-home program that includes: Program Unit Funding, Mild/Moderate, FSCD, ESL and Fee-for-Service (FFS). They also provide FSCD’s BDS and SS services.

                       
                      Lead Foundation

                      Provides PUF and Mild/Moderate programming as well as English as a Second Language (ESL) support in Early Childhood Services (ECS) programs (e.g., community preschool, daycare or kindergarten program).They service children in Calgary and surrounding areas. They can offer a common approach for those with FSCD’s Specialized Services (SS). Their multi-disciplinary teams may include: Teachers, Speech Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Behaviour Specialists, Psychologists, and Child Development Specialists. In addition they also provide FSCD BDS & SS services and coordination along with Triple P programming.

                         
                        Little Blossoms Early Intervention Foundation

                        Is a Preschool that is partnered with a private Early Childhood Service Operator funded by Alberta Education. They serve children in the Varsity and surrounding NW communities.

                           
                          Pacekids Programs

                          Pacekids Programs supports children with diverse needs and their families through therapy, education, and play. Pacekids is an approved Private ECS Operator for PUF Funding from Alberta Education. Pacekids operates two schools and accepts children from all areas of Calgary. Pacekids Programs offers door-to-door transportation for children enrolled in PUF programming at a cost. They also provide FSCD BDS, SS and Social Skills programming.

                             
                            Providence

                            Working together with the child, family and community, Providence offers specialized programs and services that support the well-being and development of all children. Providence offers two unique Alberta Education-funded program streams: those based in the six schools across Calgary and those based in approved neighborhood community preschools and child care programs (LEARN Program).
                            They also provide the Inclusive Child Care (ICC) Program which supports licensed child care programs, approved family day homes and out-of-school care programs to successfully meet the developmental needs of all children.

                               
                              Renfrew Educational Services

                              Provides preschool and kindergarten PUF and Mild/Moderate programming. They have specialized schools for elementary aged children and can provide some FSCD funded services (SS) in conjunction with the PUF service. They have 4 locations throughout Calgary, offer transportation for a fee and have fees for programming.

                                 
                                Sahaara Therapy Services Ltd.

                                Sahaara Therapy Services works with children and schools to provide support through PUF funding. They have a team of OT, SLP, Behavioral Therapist and Aide support. They support classroom participation, self-help skills, fine motor skill development, play skills, sensory regulation support and strategies to support executive functioning skills.

                                   
                                  Society for Autism Support and Services (SASS)

                                  Provides PUF programming in the classrooms at the Society for Autism Support and Services. They have an Early Intervention Program for children under 3. They also provide Combined Specialized Services or Behavioural Developmental Aide and ECS (PUF) Program in their classroom, and the home & community.

                                     
                                    Step by Step Early Intervention Society

                                    Step by Step is a private ECS provider that follows the Alberta Education curriculum and standards. Led by a certified teacher, classes offer a high level of adult to child support. Speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, music therapy, and behavior support may be included as part of your child’s program depending on their areas of need. They can sometimes provide FSCD specialized services for children that are connected to their First Steps or ECS programs. They offer limited transportation services and they also have a First Steps program which provides classes to children ages 19 months – 3 years, a fee for service and a diagnosis is not required to attend this program.