The Early Years

Lifelong learning starts the moment we are born. The first six years of our lives are a time of unparalleled discovery. We learn about ourselves and the world around us. Our personalities take shape and we begin to lay the foundation of knowledge that will support us as we enter the education system.

Pre-School and Day Care
In Alberta, Children's Services sets the standards for day cares, nursery schools, drop-in centres and family day homes. These standards safeguard the health and well-being of the children these facilities serve. Children's Services also offers subsides to help lower income parents cover the costs of day-care.

Planning for Post-Secondary Study
The best time to start saving for post-secondary learning is right now! Registered Education Savings Plans and the federal government's Canada Education Savings Grant can be valuable investments in a child's future. In addition, the Alberta Government will contribute $500 to an RESP for children born in 2005 and beyond to Alberta residents under the Alberta Centennial Education Savings Plan.

Meeting Special Needs
Children with special needs often have needs that are different from those of other learners. Meeting these needs means providing the services and programs that will help all learners get the most out of their education.

Parents of children with special needs may also wish to learn more about Alberta's new Family Support for Children with Disabilities Act, which came into effect August 1, 2004.

Programs in the Community
Not all learning takes place in a traditional classroom setting. Alberta Education supports a number of community-based programs that give younger children an early edge. Family literacy, early literacy and head start programs encourage children to develop language and other basic skills before they start school.

Alberta Children and Youth Initiative
The goal of the Alberta Children and Youth Initiative is to ensure that the province's children will be well cared for, safe, healthy and successful at learning. This cross-departmental effort is addressing key issues like fetal alcohol syndrome and children's mental health.