1. Presented by Lynn Hestbak Principal, Early Education & Family Wellness Centre Wetaksiwin Regional Public Schools

2.  Believing, Behaving, Becoming  Inclusion is the “norm”: Family inclusion – at home, on outings, special events School inclusion – in the classroom, playground Social inclusion – with peers, in the community

3.  Brain development ◦ (McCain, M.N., & Mustard, J.F., 1999) ◦ (Mustard, J.F., 2002, 2007)  Early Learning ◦ (Bredekamp, S., 1992) ◦ (Hertzman, C., 2000)  Family engagement ◦ (Epstein, J., 2001)  Teaching strategies ◦ (Gardner, H., 1993)

4.  Full or part-time attendance /morning or afternoon choices  Home based programs  Blend of centre and home based  Family Oriented program visits  Outreach supports for kindergarten  Flexibility, choice, consistency

5.  Begin where the family is  Focus on what we CAN do  Flexible options  Choice is in their hands

6.  Shared philosophy  Principles of the program set  Continuous evolution  Collaborative time

7.  Predictable routine provides structure  Flexibility within routine allows choice  Intervention occurs within natural play environment  Foundational skills based on Kindergarten Program Statement

8.  Deliberate & intentional planning  Providing “just right challenge”  Strategies for one often work for all  Doing what makes sense

9.  Begins right away – home to program  Frequently reviewed & revised as needed  Begin with end in mind – planning for school entry

10.  Working together to increase family confidence, knowledge of child’s needs  Developing appropriate strategies for home, community inclusion  Stronger advocates for child’s future

11.  Seeds of Empathy, cultural experiences  Visitors to program, special events, field trips  Triple P Parenting program & other parent workshops  Parent Networking opportunities

12.  Increased enrolment each year  Wait list for community placements as early as December for next year  Referrals from community partners  Parent feedback

13.  Staff, when asked what is the best feature of our program: ◦ “...having a team effort makes us stronger 17 times over” (Kathy, teaching assistant) ◦ “Each student here has a long line of people who’ve got their back!” (Marcie, SLP) ◦ “Thinking outside the box and being flexible when the child can’t be” (Joanna, OT)

14.  Parents: ◦ “His grandparents see a difference already and he has only been here 3 months” (Chelsey, mom) ◦ “You will never feel more loved than you do here” (alumni parent Ken to group of new parents) ◦ “She was invited to a friend’s birthday party for the first time – I nearly cried” (Cathy, mom)