The Early Intervention Pre-Kindergarten Advantage

Specialized Teachers and Integrated Clinical Support for the Whole-Child Success

The path to future success is paved in the early years. Research consistently shows that a child’s brain is most adaptable and responsive to intervention before age six. This period is often called the critical window, where targeted support for developmental challenges (whether language, motor skills, or emotional regulation) can literally change a child's entire trajectory. Early intervention isn't just helpful; it is the single most important factor in lessening the impact of a developmental hurdle and ensuring a strong foundation for school and life.

As a parent, you are your child's first and most important teacher. You know their incredible potential. But when a child faces developmental hurdles, whether it's difficulty with language, motor skills, or managing big emotions, early intervention becomes the critical factor for future success.

(BGSD) offers a powerful resource: the Early Intervention Pre-Kindergarten (EI Pre-K) program. This isn't just a classroom; it is a safe, language-rich environment supported by a dedicated multidisciplinary team of specialized health experts and an ATA-certified teacher.

The EI Pre-K program's philosophy is simple: early, targeted support, delivered in a seamless, collaborative manner, can change the entire trajectory of a child's academic, social, and emotional life. If your child is facing challenges with communication, following directions, or managing social situations, this specialized program is the essential start they deserve.

The Communication Cornerstone: Speech-Language Services

For preschoolers, effective communication is the foundation of all learning and socializing. BGSD’s Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) are vital members of the classroom team, working closely with teachers and assistants through consultation and teacher-directed instruction to create a language-rich environment.

The SLPs' work focuses on helping children understand and use language to communicate their needs and ideas:

• Receptive Language (Understanding): They implement strategies to strengthen your child’s ability to comprehend the language they hear in the classroom.

• Expressive Language (Using Language): They collaborate with staff to improve your child’s vocabulary, sentence structure, and ability to express themselves to peers and adults.

The SLP also supports Engagement and Interaction skills, fostering joyful, back-and-forth communication, and creating opportunities for children to start interactions or join in play. They may also introduce Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools to support children who struggle with verbal communication.

A Note on Articulation: The school-based SLP focuses on language and communication; however, for additional direct speech sound development support, families may benefit from services through Alberta Health Services. You can call their intake at 1-888-925-4044.

Mastering the World: Occupational Therapy Focus

In the early years, a child’s “occupation” is PLAY and school. The Occupational Therapist (OT) monitors, assesses, and provides support to ensure your child can fully participate and engage in everyday activities.

The OT helps children develop, restore, and maintain skills in several key areas:

• Self-Regulation: Addressing sensory, emotional, and cognitive regulation (e.g., adjusting behaviours based on emotional and social context).

• Meaningful Independence: Focusing on self-help skills, managing classroom routines, and executive functioning (like attention, impulse control, and memory).

• Motor Skill Development: Supporting both fine motor skills (cutting, printing) and gross motor skills (balance, coordination).

• Social/Play Skills: Enhancing peer interactions and emotional awareness.

The OT and classroom staff implement these strategies daily, offering the "just right challenge" to support your child's growth.

The Power of Specialized Support

The BGSD EI Pre-K program offers an exceptional three-to-one (3:1) student-to-staff ratio and individualized planning. The integrated support from the SLP and OT, backed by an expert teacher, helps to ensure that every single skill is supported.

To learn more about these services and find at-home activity ideas from our therapists, visit our specialized parent resource website: sites.google.com/gshare.blackgold.ca/black-gold-otslp-supports/

Your Child's Journey Starts Here

If your child will be at least 2 years and 8 months of age on August 31st and you have any concerns about their development, the most important thing you can do is take the first step toward intervention.

This specialized programming is provided at no charge to qualifying families. While a small yearly material enhancement fee is typically applied, this fee is waived for low-income families.

Click the link below to enter our intake process and register for a FREE screening today!

www.blackgold.ca/schools/programs/pre-kindergarten/

Restriction apply