Every student is unique, with different strengths and challenges. We provide a range of learning environments to help nurture students’ emotional, mental, sensory and physical well-being.
We offer specialized learning supports for students who have emotional, behavioural, cognitive, learning, speech, hearing, vision, physical or medical needs—both in regular classrooms and in specialized programs.
A regular classroom should always be considered as the first option for a student who needs specialized supports. However, we do honour families’ placement requests as much as possible, and will help you understand and navigate program criteria.
If your child needs specialized learning supports:
Students receive a high-quality education that supports their strengths, interests and challenges.
PROGRAMMING OPTIONS
Whether they’re a part of a regular classroom or in a specialized program, your child will get a high-quality education. In every school, all students are welcomed and encouraged to take part in all school-wide activities like field trips, school assemblies, performances and track and field days.
OPTION 1: REGULAR OR ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM
Division schools offer regular and alternative programming, and the options offered vary from school to school.
All curriculum is determined by Alberta Education and Childcare. A school’s focus, optional courses and activities will vary depending on how it is organized to meet student needs. Students may need to meet criteria for some alternative programs.
In the classroom, teachers will design instruction to make learning accessible for all students.
Use the Find a School tool to search for your designated elementary, junior high and high school.
OPTION 2: SPECIALIZED PROGRAM AT SELECT SCHOOLS
Specialized programs support students who have:
mild learning disabilities
moderate or severe autism
moderate and severe cognitive disabilities
moderate and severe behavioural challenges
physical or medical conditions
communication disabilities
Students enrolled in a specialized learning program will receive instruction determined by Alberta Education and Childcare, as well as specialized supports designed for their individual needs and abilities.
Students must meet program eligibility requirements and be referred by the principal of their designated school.
Program comparison
Regular program (no special requirements)
Specialized program (must meet eligibility requirements)
Students:
learn alongside same-aged classmates who may have different learning needs and abilities
develop their social, emotional, academic and physical skills
receive specially modified programming and additional supports to meet their individual needs
take part in school-wide and community activities
Students:
learn alongside similar-aged classmates who need similar supports and services
develop their social, emotional, academic and physical skills
receive adapted or modified programming and additional supports to meet their individual needs
receive targeted instruction in smaller classes
take part in school-wide and community activities
SPECIALIZED LEARNING SUPPORTS FOR STUDENTS
At Edmonton Public Schools, we have a Specialized Learning Supports (SLS) department that consists of multidisciplinary consultants who support students in Kindergarten to Grade 12.
Consultants have experience and expertise in areas ranging from occupational therapy and reading to mental health, social work and more. SLS consultants work with families and school staff to support students’ needs and can help identify students’ specialized learning needs.
If your child has specialized learning needs, the first step is to talk to your child’s teacher. Share any relevant documents about your child’s needs with your teacher.
STEP 2: MEET WITH THE PRINCIPAL
The principal or school administrator will reach out to you to discuss your child’s needs and options.
You may talk about whether a regular or alternative program is the best fit or if your child is eligible to attend a specialized program. Some programs have limited space and are only available at select Division schools.
If your child is accessing any specialized supports or home services, let the principal know. It helps to understand how your child is supported outside of school.
You may be asked to provide information that includes:
a diagnosis
educational assessments
progress reports
individualized program plans (IPP, also known as IEP)
If a specialized program is the best fit, the principal will help you with the next steps. If a regular classroom is the best choice, you can register or pre-enrol your child in the school for the upcoming school year.
