PROGRAM

MISSION STATEMENT

To provide a family centered, home-based early education program, which will assist the child with special needs in the successful transition to a community school.
To promote public education in support of inclusion and inclusive communities.

SERVICE PRINCIPLES

Program planning which combines family centered, early childhood and special education approaches.
The transdiciplinary team, which includes parents as active partners, is responsible for program planning.
Profesionals are best utilized through a consultative process.
Provision of daily in-home programming is delivered on an individual basis.
Goals are achieved through the use of naturally occurring events and routines.
Home based programs are complemented by opportunities to interact with peers who are not disabled.
Parental relief is a critical component to programming.

SERVICES PROVIDED

In home program.
Transdisciplinary assessment.
Program planning.
Consultative model.
Parent relief.
Parent Advisory Council.
Orientation Programs / In Services.
Referral / Information / Advocacy.
Resource / Toy Library.
Newsletter.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The G.R.I.T. Program is a privately operated Early Childhood Services program funded by the Department of Education. The Program is run by an Incorporated Non-Profit Society. G.R.I.T. serves children with disabilities between the ages of 2 ½ and 5 ½ in the Calgary area and 100 km from the city limits.

G.R.I.T.’s method of service is primarily home-based programming. G.R.I.T.'s program offers particular benefit to those children who aren't able to effectively participate in center based programs and for whom the home based program provides a good alternative.

G.R.I.T is designed to offer an educational alternative to parents who wish to be actively involved in their child’s program and believe a home-based program is the most natural and effective setting for young children with disabilities. The G.R.I.T. program provides services to children with multiple disabilities. Due to these disabilities, regular attendance at a centre-based program may not be possible; therefore the home environment may provide a better learning environment for them. One-to-one support may also be required for these children.

The G.R.I.T. Program Philosophy is that a daily program provided on a one-to-one basis will provide the consistency required to teach a child with multiple disabilities and provide the parents the opportunity for involvement in their educational programming.

G.R.I.T. provides a Developmental Specialist to work individually with the child. The Developmental Specialist may work in the child’s home from two to three hours, three to five days per week depending upon the needs of both the child and family and recommendations from the Consulting Teacher.

The Developmental Specialist carries out program plans that have been developed for the child by the parents and GRIT staff. The program team consists of parents, Developmental Specialists, Consulting Teacher, Physical Therapy Consultant, Occupational Therapy Consultant and Communication Consultant. Each child’s program plan and home visit schedule is individualized according to the child’s needs.

Planning for transition into a school-based program is also provided. Transitional planning provides support for the child to participate in-group programming. With the support of the Developmental Specialist and Program Team members, the child’s involvement in a community based program is gradually increased until by the end of their second or third year of ECS funding, they are to fully participate in a school based program.

The Developmental Specialists come from a variety of backgrounds: Rehabilitation, Early Childhood Education, Nursing, Social Work, etc. All have some level of post secondary education and work experience with children with disabilities.

Parental relief is a component of the G.R.I.T. program. Parents are encouraged to participate within the Developmental Specialists and Consultant visits.

Each child in the program is eligible for Program Unit Funding (PUF) a special level of funding for children who are severely or multiply disabled. PUF is attached to designated ECS programs and not individually to children and their families.

Eligibility criteria for this funding is established by the Department of Education. Criteria include: blind, deaf, deafblind, dependent handicapped (including severe mental handicap and brain trauma), severely multiple handicapped, severely physically handicapped (including arthritis, spina bifida, epilepsy, and fragile health), severely emotionally disturbed (including autism), and/or severely expressively or receptively language delayed. Funding is provided for children from ages 2 ½ to 5 ½ (as of September 1st of each year).

The funding received is allocated for instructional salaries-Developmental Specialist and Consulting staff and for specialized gross motor and instructional equipment as required for the child. Parents are asked to provide appropriate toys and basic instructional materials (crayons, paper, etc.).

The G.R.I.T. Program emphasizes parent involvement both at an individual program level and at a Parent Advisory level.

G.R.I.T. provides many benefits to the child - an individualized, intensive, developmentally based program and to the family - support, respite and opportunity for active participation in their child’s program.

GUIDELINES

First year of the G.R.I.T. Program (age 2 ½ to 5 ½ ). Children will begin the year in a half time program (maximum 3 hours per day and up to 5 days per week). A lot of parents with children in their 1st year choose only 3-4 days per week. Program time will include community outings as agreed upon by the Consulting Teacher and Parents.
Second year of the G.R.I.T. Program ( age 3 ½ to 4 ½ ) program hours are usually 5 days per week up to 15 hours per week as determined by the Child’s needs, parent input and Consulting Teachers recommendations. As part of the program, there is a regular out of home component, two or three half days per week.
Third year of the G.R.I.T. Program (age 4 ½ to 5 ½ ). As this is the final year for a child within the G.R.I.T. program the program may be a combination of programming in the home and school setting. Transitional planning in preparation for the child’s school placement for the following school year is a key element to the child’s programming.

Many children, at the beginning of their third year, are transferred to the Calgary Board of Education or the Calgary Catholic Board. These school boards then provide a half-day kindergarten program and hire-teaching assistants to work with the children on an individual basis.

Other Considerations

Evaluation of programming requirements is reviewed by both the parents and Consulting Teacher at the end of the first three months of each program year.
It is recommended that community programming be offered in only one educational setting to facilitate the child’s program.
A second program or a second registration fee must be paid by parents.

This page was last updated on: February 1, 2000