Early Childhood Education: Pre-K and Kindergarten Programming
The Centre for Autism Services Alberta is a private Early Childhood Services (ECS) provider offering Program Unit Funding (PUF) through Alberta Education.
Registration is now open for 2025/2026 School Year! Please contact our Family/School Coordinator(s) for eligibility and application information.
What is Program Unit Funding (PUF)?
Alberta Education provides PUF for children with developmental disabilities who require additional learning support. More information about Alberta Education’s PUF can be found HERE.
Our Centre-based PUF program is designed for children identified as Autistic (or query), or those who need a high level of support in their speech and language development at school.
CFASA’s onsite PUF program serves all students who meet criteria, regardless of whether or not they have autism/are Autistic. Eligibility is dependent on numerous factors which we would be happy to discuss with you prior to applying.
Age Requirement: Children between 2 years 8 months and 5 years 11 months of age as of September 1 of their application year.
Fees: No fees, funded by Alberta Education Program Unit Funding.
Funding can be provided for up to a maximum of three years.
Our Program:
Providing high-quality daily support early in life can dramatically improve a child’s ability to learn and succeed in school. Our pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classrooms focus on familiarizing your child with the school environment, routines, and engagement with peers. Our goal is to prepare your child to attend Kindergarten or Grade 1 in your community neighbourhood school. Our program focus is to create nurturing and supportive learning environments that celebrate each child’s strengths and individuality. Our programming is based on:
- Alberta Education Curriculum
- Evidence-based naturalistic developmental behavioural approaches
- Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices
Classes combine play-based and structured activities to enhance school readiness. School readiness goals are tailored to each child’s pace and needs. Daily routines include learning experiences in academics, communication, socialization, motor skills, and self-help skills.
In the Classroom:
- 3 focused learning hours, Monday to Thursday (no school on Fridays).
- Certified teachers and highly trained educational assistants in each classroom.
- Access to weekly Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) and Occupational Therapy (OT) support.
- Coordinated services for home and school-based support (if applicable).
- For example, if your child is receiving Specialized Services at CFASA, we will coordinate Specialized Services and PUF programming through your Centre team, simplifying communication and ensuring consistency.
- Small class sizes (10-12 students).
- Transportation is available but not guaranteed.
Classroom Locations, Times, and Contact Information:
We have onsite Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten in both Edmonton and Calgary.
Edmonton Location: #1, 9353 50 Street NW Edmonton, AB T6B 2L5
Calgary Head Office Location: #200, 2415 Pegasus Road NE Calgary, AB T2E 8C3
- Calgary School Location for 2024/2025: Falconridge Community Centre
School days are Monday to Thursday for 3 hours a day:
- AM Class: 8:45-11:45
- PM Class: 12:45-3:45
- There is no school on Fridays.
Interested in our PUF program and want more information about eligibility and registration?
Contact Edmonton:
Family/ School Coordinator: Corinne Bebee
Email: puf@centreforautismab.ca
Phone (Edmonton): 587 643 8018
Contact Calgary:
Family/ School Coordinator: Meylin Rodriguez
Email: pufcalgary@centreforautismab.ca
Phone (Calgary): 403 888 3101
