Global Map

Early Childhood Services UpdateDecember 2012Global VisionThe trend in Canada and internationally is to merge early childhood education services, aligning them with public education to create a more seamless transition to school and a more holistic learning environment. (Atkinson Centre for Society and Child Development University of Toronto, 2012)

Toward a Provincial FrameworkThe Government of Alberta Ministries of Human Services and Education are sponsoring, provincial forum discussions to gather advice and seeking direction from stakeholders to develop a provincial framework for Early Learning and Care in Alberta.

3Alberta Education (2012) defines early childhood services as a broad, coordinated system of local and provincial programs that meet the developmental and special education needs of young children and their families.

In keeping with Alberta Education, Action on Inclusion, we continue to offer a continuum of supports and services for preschool children in a variety of quality early learning environments to ensure that all children will have equitable opportunity to be successful. An inclusive education system provides appropriate choices for children and their families.

Medicine Hat School District 76 Early Childhood Services35 Kindergarten Classes

11 Early Learning Programs

1 Licensed Preschool Program

1 Licensed Childcare Center

22 Private Preschool Community SitesThe Guiding Principles created by Alberta Education form the framework that acknowledges play as integral to childrens learning and richly formative in their capacity for relationships, overall growth and development. (2007)Childhoods differ depending on social and cultural circumstances.

Childrens development is influenced but not determined by their early experiences.

Children interact and learn in a variety of contexts.

Children are co-constructors of knowledge and partners in learning.

Children are unique and active contributors to their learning.

Children construct and represent knowledge in a variety of ways.

Children are citizens and active participants in school and society.

Children are active collaborators in and users of assessment.

Kindergarten549 children attend Kindergarten

59 children receive support through program unit funding

131 children have mild/moderate needs addressed in Kindergarten

Early Learning Programs179 children attend Early Learning Programs

87 children are supported with program unit funding

39 children are supported with mild/moderate funding

Community Early Learning107 children supported by program unit funding

88 children supported by mild/moderate funding

District ServicesDirector of Primary ServicesEarly Learning CoordinatorEarly Learning TeachersBehavior Consultants and Behavior TeacherIntegrated Education Assistant MusicianEducational AssistantsEarly Literacy AssistantsPsychological Services Family Oriented Programming TeachersParents as Teachers EducatorIntegrated ServicesSpeech and Language TherapyOccupational TherapyPhysical TherapyREACH Collaborative ServicesMusic TherapyEsplanade Outreach ArtistTransportation specially equipped buses with attendantsProfessional Development

We continue to revisit, strengthen and build upon early learning programming, building capacity in both the schools and community settings on a monthly basis.The brighter future that we envision for all children can only be realized when based on a solid pillar of education. When we ensure that our youth have the best programs and support systems in place; when our youth are enthusiastic about school; and when our community comes together, we truly have all the ingredients to make dreams a reality. Dr. Marie Delorme, Co-Chair, UpStart Council of Champions