Eligibility for Early Intervention Services

Children diagnosed with mild or moderate delays in specific developmental areas may qualify for M/M funding. To be eligible, a child must be between 3 years, 8 months and less than 6 years old as of September 1 and must be in their final year of pre-kindergarten (preschool) before entering kindergarten. Eligibility is determined through assessments conducted by our professional team and aligned with Alberta Education’s guidelines.

If a child qualifies, our certified Early Learning Coordinator (ELC) will develop a targeted learning program with input from the child’s family, classroom teacher, and therapists. An Individual Program Plan (IPP) outlines clear developmental goals and strategies to support progress. Alberta Education requires that children receiving M/M funding participate in at least 475 instructional hours throughout the year, and Beacon Heights ECS ensures every child meets this standard through careful program planning and support.

For children with more significant developmental needs, PUF provides extended support. Children must be between 2 years, 8 months and less than 6 years old as of September 1 to be eligible. PUF may be accessed for up to three years, including the child’s kindergarten year. Eligibility is based on assessment results and classroom observations completed by our multidisciplinary team.

Once approved, our Early Learning Coordinator works with families and the child’s classroom team to build a comprehensive Individual Program Plan. This plan includes specific learning goals, strategies, and timelines. Progress is reviewed at three key points during the school year with the full team, including parents. Alberta Education mandates a minimum of 300 to 475 hours of programming annually, depending on the child’s age. At Beacon Heights ECS, we typically provide 400 or more hours to ensure meaningful growth and continuity of care.