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LEAD Mission Statement
LEAD Foundation enriches the lives of children and families dealing with developmental challenges through play-based programs. We are committed to helping children show the world what they can do. |
Philosophy
•We follow the child’s LEAD in their own learning—using their interests and strengths as part of our treatment program. This can also be described as being child-centered.
•We follow each family's LEAD by collaborating with parents to set goals and treatment priorities. Families are a vital part of the child’s team.
•We are activity based—using play and activities to work toward goals.
•We use a developmental approach. We evaluate the child’s current developmental skill level, and use activities and strategies to encourage skills to develop to the next level.
•We use an evidence based treatment approach, drawing from proven social communication and behavioral theory.
Underpinning the services provided by
LEAD are the beliefs that:
- A child with a developmental disability has the same rights as other children in society.
- The interests of the child with
an developmental disability and society are best met when
the conditions of everyday living are as close as possible
to the patterns of mainstream society.
- Each child with an developmental disability is an individual with his/her own special strengths
and needs, and these must be recognised in the support
given to the child and the family.
- Developmental disability affects
the whole family.
- Support is best provided to children
with a developmental disability and their families when
parents and professionals work together in a spirit of
mutual respect and cooperation.
- The interests of the family are best
provided for by LEAD incorporating in its programs
the opportunity for parents to grow in their understanding
of developmental disabilities, and have access to a range
of support mechanisms.
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History of LEAD Foundation
LEAD Foundation has provided programs to children with disabilities and their families for ten years. LEAD Foundation (Learning and Enrichment for Autism Disorders) became a non-profit registered charity in 2002. In 2002 LEAD Foundation worked primarily with the government providing programs to families with children with autism spectrum disorder. In 2003, LEAD broadened its services to provide supports to families of children with various disabilities. Today, we offer FSCD and Alberta Education programs to families of children with mild to severe disabilities within Calgary and area.
At inception, LEAD Foundation employed three staff and worked with nine children in their programs. Within three years, LEAD Foundation had grown to a staff of twenty- seven full time staff while working with over fifty children and their families. LEAD realized more space was needed and began searching for a location large enough to offer in-office therapy, parent/child groups, adequate office space for staff and space for a Resource Lending Library for parents and staff. In August 2007, we relocated to our current space in SE. We continue to maintain our commitment to quality programs for children and families.
LEAD foundation operates as a non-profit registered charity (Charity No. 863831467RR001) with funding received from Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) to provide Specialized Services programs as well as Behaviour Developmental Supports. Funding is also received from Alberta Education to support our Program Unit Funding (PUF) and Mild to Moderate (MM) programs.
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Programs and Services Provided
by LEAD
To help your child achieve their maximum potential, we provide:
FAMILY SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (FSCD)
- Specialized Services Programs
- Behaviour Developmental Supports
ALBERTA EDUCATION EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES
- Program Unit Funding
- Mild to Moderate Funding
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
- Social Skills Programs
- Parent Information Sessions
- Staff Training
More detail is available here
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Organizational
Information
LEAD is an incorporated, not for profit
registered charity governed by a duly-elected Board of Directors.
Funding
The majority of LEAD's
funding is derived from government sources ( Alberta Education and FSCD). Other
government funding is received from time to time for specific projects.
The remaining funds have to be raised by LEAD. This is achieved through charges for training
and development programs, seeking grants for particular
projects, donations and fundraising
activities. Click
here to see how you can help with our fundraising events.
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