The Fort Vermilion School Division offers a Pre-Kindergarten (PUF) Program to those children with a severe disability or severe language delay who require additional support beyond that offered in a regular ECS program. The intention of the program is to provide early intervention to address the specific needs of the individual child and better prepare him/her for schooling.
To be eligible:
- Children must be a minimum age of 2 years 8 months and less than 4 years 8 months of age on September 1. Students over 4 years 8 months are no longer eligible for PUF funding. They will be enrolled in kindergarten classes and have their needs supported within inclusive education.
- An assessment by a qualified professional of a severe disability or severe language delay must be provided to school authorities.
- Documentation must include a recent thorough assessment (for example, medical, psycho-educational, or speech and language pathology among others, depending on the disability).
- A Learning Team must be in place to guide the program for each PUF-funded child. The Learning Team should include the parent/guardian, ECS teacher, Inclusive Education coordinator, other school personnel as appropriate and additional service providers who are involved in developing, implementing and monitoring the child’s program.
- An Individualized Program Plan must be in place and implemented.
- Copies of all documentation, including assessment, program planning and budget information, must be kept on file at the school.
Due to limited personnel and budget restraints, children will be prioritized and be put on a wait list. Priority will be given to those children who are 3 years 8 months of age on September 1 with a severe language delay, followed by children who are 3 years 8 months with a severe disability. Next priority will be given to children who are a minimum of 2 years 8 months of age as of September 1 with a severe language delay, followed by children who are 2 years 8 months with a severe disability.
Standards for the Provision of Early Childhood Special Education