Everything you need to know about

Program Unit Funding (PUF)

PUF is a grant provided by Alberta Education to school authorities for children with developmental disabilities who require additional support beyond that offered in a regular ECS program.

What is Program Unit Funding (PUF)?

Program Unit Funding or PUF is a grant provided by Alberta Education to school authorities for children with developmental disabilities who require additional support beyond that offered in a regular ECS program.

Who is allowed to access PUF?

PUF is available for a maximum of 3 years for each eligible child.
The child must be between 2 years, 8 months and 6 years of age as of September 1.
The child must have been assessed and diagnosed with a severe disability or language delay. Children must be assessed by a qualified professional (Developmental Pediatrician, Pediatrician, Registered Speech Language Pathologist, Registered Psychologist).
The child must be enrolled in a pre-K or Kindergarten program. An application must be filled out by an Early Childhood Support (ECS) provider on behalf of the family. Parents DO NOT complete the PUF application on their own.

What does PUF offer?

Early Child Services (ECS) offer educational programs to children who qualify for PUF. Although they are educational programs, therapy can be accessed by children who require these services based on their individual needs. Programming and support will be adapted each year to address the child’s progress and learning needs. An Individual Program Plan (IPP) will be created specifically for the child and will be reviewed regularly.

There are a few different ways that Early Childhood Service providers provide PUF programs:

Some are centre-based, meaning they take place in a centre or school setting.
Some are home-based.
Some programs will provide services in a community setting like a daycare or community preschool.
Some take place in a combination of different settings.

For more information on Early Childhood Supports, please click here.

Learn more about this topic

Calgary PUF Program for Children with Autism

The Centre is an approved Early Childhood Services (ECS) provider through Alberta Education. We use a naturalistic developmental behavioural approach, an approach proven to be effective for children with autism. The Centre’s onsite PUF program serves all students who meet the criteria, regardless of whether or not they have a diagnosis of autism. Eligibility is dependent on numerous factors which we would be happy to discuss with you.

Early Childhood Services/PUF Program for Children with Down Syndrome

PREP has provided a high quality Early Childhood Services (ECS) program to PUF eligible children in Calgary since 1989. Our goal is to provide an enriched learning environment with therapy services tailored to meet each individual child’s unique needs as they prepare for a successful transition to Kindergarten and beyond. Our program prides itself on utilizing the Program Unit Funding (PUF) grant for families who have an eligible child. We offer a certified teacher with aide support leading the program, small class sizes, support of therapy services including speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and behaviour therapy, as well as community preschool placement options. Programming is available for children ages 2.8 – 6 years old.

LEARN Program: Community Based PUF Program

Providence community programs are designed to focus on all areas of learning and development for children attending an approved community child care centre. These programs offer educational and therapeutic activities that are tailored to the individual needs of each child. The goal of the program is to provide a stimulating and challenging learning environment that is also fun and engaging for the child. The program is facilitated by a certified teacher with support from our therapist and teaching /therapeutic assistants in collaboration with the child care centre.

Mild Moderate / PUF Program

We provide speech and language services, primarily in daycare settings within Calgary and surrounding communities, to children aged 3 years 8 months to 6 years. Funding is provided by Alberta Education through their Mild/Moderate (MM) and Moderate Language Delay (PUF-MLD) grants.

Lead Foundation's experienced teams help children develop age-appropriate skills to encourage later school success in areas such as talking, listening, playing, moving, learning, and participating. They work closely with families and ECS programs to create developmentally appropriate, measurable goals that are tailored to each child’s strengths and needs.

Preschool and Kindergarten (PUF Program)

Pacekids’ Early Childhood Services (ECS) Program follows the curriculum and standards set by Alberta Education and is an approved, Private ECS Operator for Program Unit Funding (PUF) from Alberta Education.

School Based PUF Program

Providence school programs are designed to focus on all areas of learning and development for children attending one of our 6 school locations. These programs offer educational and therapeutic activities that are tailored to the individual needs of each child. The goal of the program is to provide a stimulating and challenging learning environment that is also fun and engaging for the child.

Frequently
Asked
Questions

Can my child access the Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) program AND the PUF program?

What is an Individualized Program Plan?

Is PUF part of Alberta Education?

Can PUF services be provided in a daycare setting?

What if my child was diagnosed late or we have just moved to an area where PUF is available?

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