Programs and Services

MDN Early Childhood Support Services

We believe that a child’s natural environment provides the best opportunities for growth and development. Through inclusion children are supported in their daily environment with same aged peers, meeting each child where they are and providing meaningful opportunities for participation, learning, and connection. We value the strengths and potential of every child and recognize the critical role of families and caregivers as partners. By fostering inclusive practices early in life, we lay the foundation for lifelong learning, resilience, and success for all children.

Alberta Education Funding– Early Support for Young Learners

Early Childhood Support Services is fully funded through Alberta Education. The grant type depends on the child’s needs: Mild/Moderate (M/M) funding for children with either mild or moderate developmental delays; Program Unit Funding (PUF) for children whose needs are more significant; and English as an Additional Language (EAL) funding for children who are new to learning English.

Guided by an Alberta Certificated Teacher and supported by a dedicated multi-disciplinary team, each child's program is tailored to meet the unique needs of the child, their family, and the specific Early Childhood Services (ECS) site.

Mild/Moderate (M/M) funding

Alberta Education provides Mild/Moderate (MM) funding to support children who may need extra help in areas like speech and language, fine motor skills, or classroom learning. If your child has challenges in these areas, they may qualify for this funding to receive additional support.

Our team works closely with parents and caregivers to create flexible, personalized programs that focus on your child’s goals and strengths.

Program Unit Funding (PUF)

Alberta Education provides Program Unit Funding (PUF) to support preschool-aged children with developmental needs in a school or community-based Early Childhood Services (ECS) program.

Our caring and experienced team works with families to help children build important skills in areas like talking, listening, playing, moving, learning, and joining in classroom routines. Together with your childcare center, we develop individualized plans that reflect your child’s strengths and support their areas of need with age-appropriate goals and strategies.

English as a Second Language (ESL) funding

Alberta Education provides English as a Second Language (ESL) funding for children who are learning English as an additional language. This support helps children build their English speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills so they can meet age-appropriate expectations and fully participate with same age peers.