G.R.I.T. CALGARY SOCIETY

Getting Ready for Inclusion Today

#4 6020 - 1A Street SW
Calgary, Alberta
T2H 0G3
Phone: 215-2444 Fax: 215-2448
Email: gritcal@telus.net

G.R.I.T. BELIEVES...

That early education for young children with multiple disabilities is very important to maximize the child's potential and to prevent the occurrence of secondary disabilities.
That parents be provided with flexible programming options that cater to their child's individual needs.
That for some children and their families a daily in-home program conducted on a one-to-one basis is the most appropriate learning environment.

G.R.I.T. IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE CHILD...

To learn through play.
To learn through naturally occurring family routines.
To be included and supported in community outings and programs.
To make friends, play and learn with peers.

WHAT IS G.R.I.T.?

The G.R.I.T. program is a non-profit based Early Childhood Program for young children with disabilities, which has been providing services to the Edmonton Region since 1981, and the Calgary Region since 1995. The G.R.I.T. program was founded by parents who play a significant role in the operation and policy development.

The program is designed to offer children an individualized learning experience and believes a child's home is the most natural learning environment.

The G.R.I.T. program follows the public school calendar and provides each child with a Developmental Specialist, who carries out the child's Individual Program Plan in the child's home and/or community setting.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Criteria for eligibility has been established by the Department of Education through Program Unit Funding. Any child who is assessed as having a severe disability is eligible if they are 2 ½ to 5 ½ years of age by September 1st of the school year. Children can receive funding for a maximum of three years. The G.R.I.T. Program serves children in the city of Calgary and surrounding area.

G.R.I.T. TEAM IS...

PARENTS:

Play a key role in all aspects of the program and provide valuable information about their child.
Participate in planning all aspects of their child's program, in hiring the Developmental Specialist, parent meetings and workshops.

DEVELOPMENTAL SPECIALISTS:

Work one-to-one daily with the child.
Implement the child's individual program plan.
Come from a variety of backgrounds related to early childhood and rehabilitation.
Provide information, support and relief to the family.

CONSULTANTS:

Are Special Education Teachers, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech & Language Pathologists, Adapted Physical Education Therapists and a Vision Facilitator.
Visit the child's home and community settings providing ongoing recommendations and suggestions to the parents as well as the Developmental Specialists.
Assess children in their natural environment.
Assist the family with successful inclusion in their community.
Provide support and assistance with transition into school based programs.

FURTHER DETAILS

Please refer to the following links for further details;

Program - Further information regarding the mission, service principles and program of G.R.I.T.

Program Unit Funding - Additional information regarding funding from Alberta Education.

Donations - In order to maintain the highest quality of program for our students and as a non-profit charitable organization, G.R.I.T. welcomes corporate and private donations, please refer to this page for further information regarding donating to G.R.I.T.

Adapted Physical Education - A description and pictures of our Adapted Physical Education program.

Newsletter - For notices of upcoming events, recipe and activity ideas, and the latest G.R.I.T. information please refer to our monthly newsletter to parents.

Contacts - Information regarding how to contact G.R.I.T. Calgary including a map showing the location of the society's office and information regarding employment opportunities.

Links - Handy links to other useful early childhood education and special needs program sites around Calgary and the World.

Site Map - A listing of all available pages on this site.

Please contact the G.R.I.T. Calgary Society if you have any questions regarding either this site or the G.R.I.T. program.

This page has been visited times since September 12, 2002.

This page was last updated on: October 16, 2005