The programs listed in this post are either specifically for FASD, or at least are well aware of the needs of a child with FASD and how to best teach him/her. Links in this post lead to our more detailed postings on each school or program.
Here's our choice for the best education options in Edmonton for children with FASD:
Preschool:
Scott Robertson Early Education Program: 1 1/2 - 5 years
Diagnosis not required. Child must be eligible for Program Unit Funding (PUF).
Elves Early Education Program: 1 1/2 - 5 years
Children must be diagnosed with FASD and eligible for Program Unit Funding (PUF).
Both school boards in Edmonton have Early Education Programs (EEP) for children with special needs, though these are usually not FASD-specific. Depending on the setup of a particular school's Early Education Program, the severity of their child's FASD and related issues, and their particular situation, some families might find that the EEP in their neighbourhood is suitable or suitable enough for their child. Additionally, some schools may be open to making changes to the EPP classroom to increase its suitability for children with FASD. See "Special Needs Programs Offered by Edmonton School Boards" for more information and weblinks to both school boards' early education programs.
Elementary, Junior and Senior High:
Elves School Program: 2 1/2 to 20 years
Initial inquiry to Elves has indicated that the child must be referred by the school board, as they are the ones providing the funding for this. We will post more information as it becomes available.
Bosco Homes Academic Program
Elementary, Junior and Senior High. Not fully covered by public funding unless child's local school board contracts with Bosco to provide educational services for him/her.
Sturgeon Neuroacademic Program Grades 1-6 (between 3 locations).
Available only to students in Sturgeon County school district. We list this here as some families living in Edmonton may in fact be willing to move to Sturgeon County for the sake of their children's education.
Homeschooling
While homeschooling is not possible for everyone, it gives parents the opportunity to provide an FASD-specific educational environment that is geared specifically to their child. Having the same teacher year after year (viz., mom and/or dad) provides excellent consistency and stability.
Note that Argyll Home Education Centre has some facilitators who have experience working with students with special needs, and is also able to provide other specialized services and supports/funding to children with FASD depending on their situation, severity of the FASD, etc.
Are there other programs or options which you think should be on our list? Let us know using the "Comments" feature below!
Wondering why there aren't more regular school programs listed here? In general, it's because being placed in regular classrooms does not work well for children with FASD. Of course, we don't know everything.... if you've had a great experience at a particular school or program with your child with FASD, please let us know! Use the comments feature below to give us some feedback!
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