Bragg Creek Education Services Association
Welcome to Bragg Creek Education Services Association (BCESA). Whether you are new to Early Intervention or a seasoned parent in this process, we are here to help. BCESA partners with preschools, daycares and dayhomes to administer Alberta Education funding for children who have been identified with a variety of learning needs. BCESA currently provides services in Calgary, Springbank, Bragg Creek, and Banff/Canmore.
With years of experience, BCESA is committed to supporting families in a capacity that best suits their educational needs at school, at home and online.
Early Intervention
The Early Years, Birth to Age 6
The early childhood years are an extremely important time for healthy growth and development. This is when a child’s brain and body are developing at a rapid speed. Children grow and develop at different rates, making each child unique. Parents and caregivers may notice some delays or differences in their child when compared to developmental milestone guidelines. This can be worrisome for parents. Early Intervention provides the help needed for these developmental delays.
Early Intervention Programming
Early intervention is a collaborative process aimed at helping children grow and develop along with their families and extended support systems (i.e. day homes/daycare, teachers, extended family). Alberta Education provides funding for 3-5 year olds enrolled in an educationally based program to help them meet age appropriate goals within that learning environment. Bragg Creek Education Services Association partners with various schools and daycares to provide services for children and their families such as speech/language, occupational, physical and behavioural therapy.
Benefits of Early Childhood Screening
This Early Childhood “check-up” (similar to taking your child to the doctor, an eye check-up and the dentist) is an important first step to detect developmental delays, health concerns, or disabilities. Seeking out help early is better than the “see if they grow out of it” approach. Research indicates that early intervention is very effective in supporting a child’s overall development in: learning, regulation, readiness for school, and play & social skills.
The Role of BCESA
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To provide a team of specialists that meet the individual needs of each child funded by Alberta Education.
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To coordinate and oversee the screening/assessment process.
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To administer the funds for Program Unit Funding (PUF) and Mild/Moderate (MM) programs.
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To develop an Individualized Program Plan (IPP) for each child.
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To update Alberta Education with all documentation.
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To provide assurance to Alberta Education of the quality of the program and financial accountability.
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To transition funded children into a supportive school setting.
What To Expect With BCESA Services
All services funded by Alberta Education operate on the school calendar, September-June. Here is a quick look at what a year of services will look like for your family.
August-September
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Screening and Assessments begin on site with our team of specialists.
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Parents will receive consent forms prior to screening.
September 30th
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Funding Applications deadline.
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Children who have been identified with needs will need these forms and a copy of their birth certificate handed in prior to this cutoff date.
October
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Specialists begin writing reports. Parents will receive a copy of all documentation.*
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The BCESA team prepares the PUF Individualized Program Plan (IPP) documents outlining each child's goals for the year. PUF Parents are required sign the IPP three times a year (October, March, June) and join the BCESA team for a meetings to discuss goals and strategies.
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Most therapy should begin by the end of October.
November
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On site therapy and visits from BECSA educators are underway.
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Mild Moderate (MM) funded children's IPPs are written and sent to parents for review & signatures. MM do not require IPP meetings but parents are welcome to reach out to the team at any time.
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Parent Workshop will be offered to all families via zoom.
December
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Christmas Break (2 weeks) begins at the end of December for all staff and services will resume early January.**
January-February
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Services continue.
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February break (1 week) for all staff.
March
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PUF IPPs are updated, sent to parents for signatures and meetings are scheduled.
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Parent Workshop
April
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Spring break (1 week) for all staff.
May
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Parent Workshop
June
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Final IPPs are written for both PUF and MM and sent to parents for signatures.
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PUF Parens have their final meeting with the BCESA team.
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Services conclude at the end of June.
*All documents are securely saved with BCESA and uploaded to Alberta Education's online portal.
**BCESA's staff follow the school calendar for Professional Development Days, statutory holidays, and breaks (here).