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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 strive to 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 strive to 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 a history providing programs to children with disabilities. Initially, our current Executive Director, worked as a service provider for private Intensive Behavioral Intervention (IBI) programs beginning in 1999. This knowledge and expertise was formalized into LEAD Foundation (Learning and Enrichment for Autism Disorders) on April 1, 2002. In 2003, LEAD was granted status as an ECS administrator by Alberta Learning and broadened its mandate to include children with other disabilities. Today, we offer both programs to over 50 children within the Calgary area.
At inception, LEAD had three staff with nine children in programs, and all therapists and aides maintained by the families. Within three years, LEAD Foundation had grown to a staff of twenty- seven FTE, to include team leaders, human resources, therapists, and administration staff, with fifty four children. In 2003, LEAD realized more space was needed and began searching for a location large enough to offer in-office therapy, parent/child groups, parent/staff meetings, adequate office space for staff and space for a Resource Lending Library for parents and staff. LEAD Foundation relocated to #203 1201-5th St SW April 1, 2004.
In August 2007, we relocated once again to our current space in the Marlboro area. During 2007/2008, we are providing service to approximately 26 Specialized Services programs, 25 PUF programs, and 17 Aide Support programs. We have grown steadily over the years, while maintaining our commitment to quality programs for children and families.
LEAD foundation operates as a non-profit foundation with funding received from Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) to provide Specialized Services (previously known as IBI) programs as well as Aide Support Services. Funding is also received from Alberta Learning for Program Unit Funded (PUF) programs. We are also received our charitable status in 2004.
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Services provided
by LEAD
To help your child achieve their maximum potential, we provide:
- Specialized Services Programs: individual home and community based therapies
- Staff Training: start-up and ongoing training and support
More detail is available here
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Organizational
Information
LEAD is an incorporated, not for profit
organisation governed by a duly-elected Board of Management.
Board of Management
LEAD is managed by a Board of Management
elected at the Annual General Meeting each year.
Funding
Approximately 85% of LEAD's
funding is derived from Government sources. The majority
of this funding is provided by Alberta Learning for the PUF Program
and the Specialized Services Branch of Family Support for Children with Disabilities, to help children and families function as independently and happily as possible in the community. Other
government funding is received from time to time for specific programs.
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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