Parkland School has been in existence since 1960. Students with severe developmental disabilities, aged 5 to 19, are taught utilizing a comprehensive educational curriculum. The school is accredited by Alberta Education as a "Designated Special Education Private School"; school program outcomes and student progress are reported to, and monitored by, provincial authorities.

All student placements are direct referrals from regional public and separate school jurisdictions, social services, or child welfare authorities. Parkland School students are drawn from across Central Alberta and various Indigenous communities in the Canadian Arctic. The school incorporates a multi-disciplinary and holistic approach to learning that focuses on the physical, emotional, intellectual, and social development of children with disabilities.

Student educational goals are incorporated into Individual Program Plans (IPP) that are consistent with Alberta Education guidelines. Parkland School has four main program areas: the Specialized Supports Program, the Regular School Program, the Augmentative Communication Program, and Technology Program.

Specialized Supports Program

Parkland School Specialized Supports Program provides education, life skills training and physical supports to students with multiple disabilities during the regular school term. The program addresses the speech, physical and occupational therapy, communication, behavioural, hearing, vision and medical needs of non-ambulatory children. Small class sizes and low student to staff ratios ensure that individualized programs are developed that recognize and respond to all unique student needs.

Regular School Program

The Regular School Program focuses on the basic concepts of education and developing essential life skills. Various classes promote student academic, non-academic, personal, and physical development. The Regular School Program is delivered both within Parkland School and in the community on a regular basis. Prioritized academic subjects include language, literacy, reading, mathematics, numeracy, fine motor skills, liberating technologies and the Gemiini speech, reading , self-help and socialization online program.

Non-academic subjects include home economics (snack program), physical education, gross motor skills, community awareness (shopping and recreation), music, sensory integration, snoezelen, pre-vocational training, and life skills. In addition to these daily program offerings, Parkland School also delivers a diverse array of special activities and events throughout the year. These include regular field trips, and special family events (Halloween, Christmas, and Graduation).

Augmentative Communications Program

The Parkland School Augmentative Communication Program uses iPads, technical talkers, laptops, Smart Boards and other low-tech devices and programming materials to develop communication skills for non-verbal, multi-dependent students. Communication is the highest priority at Parkland School.

Augmentative communication starts by introducing students to simple cause and effect. Students learn this simple principle and move on to making choices between buttons and toys. The realization of cause and effect and choice are empowering and intellectually stimulating. The child can now exercise control over certain elements in their environment. This progresses to a "yes/no" button, where students begin to express choice.

A child incrementally progresses through more options and choices, and the principles of communication are introduced; push a particular button to express a particular need or feeling. Eventually, alternate communication devices are introduced and mastered such as technical talkers and iPads. The Augmentative Communication Program also develops student skills with other cause and effect technologies such as power wheelchairs and "Ablenet" switches that can operate home electrical devices.

Parkland School has a strong commitment to technology-based learning. Computers, laptops, iPads and Smart Boards are utilized for multi-task learning experiences.

Technology Program

Liberating Technologies facilitate freedom and choice. Parkland CLASS recognizes this reality and has invested a great deal in incorporating technology into its school programs. The Augmentative Communication Program is an example of this commitment.

However, there are great benefits for children with disabilities when skills learned through school programs are transferred to non-school settings. Communication devices, technically based or otherwise, can be used at home and in the community. As children move into adulthood, these benefits are compounded. Skill development at an early age is critical to success as an adult. Parkland School's use of liberating technologies has proven to be highly effective in facilitating communication, mobility, and an individual's control of their own home environment.

Sometimes technology can provide other benefits as well. The Snoezelen Room, for example, is a unique application of technology that provides increased leisure, stress reduction, and scheduled relaxation. Snoezelen utilizes sensory stimulation through soft music, visual and tactile stimuli to create a very peaceful and relaxing environment. The effects are profound and include the reduction of stress, anxiety, and negative behaviours. This unique use of technology is particularly beneficial for non-verbal and multi-dependent children and adults.

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Autism Calgary

Private schools, private schools in calgary offering various programs and supports for children living with disabilities.

Please visit each school website for the most up-to-date information. Here is a brief description of the various disability specific schools and how to contact them. Note that private schools often have school fees, although in some cases there may be financial assistance available for families.

Autism-Specific Private Schools

Janus Academy: The focus of Janus Academy has always been maximizing the potential of each student by enabling academic success and facilitating lifelong community integration. They offer educational programming for children 6 to 18 years of age with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis.

New Heights Learning Services: New Heights School & Learning Services is a registered charitable organization and a Designated Special Education Private School. They offer a School Program for students aged 6-20 in grades 1-12, as well as a full-day Kindergarten program.

Pan-Disability Private Schools

In some of the following schools, the acceptance of a student with ASD is dependent on the level of support required compared with the level of supports the school is able to offer.  

Calgary Quest School: Offers a variety of programs for Elementary, Junior and High School aged children. Each classroom employs a high ratio of staff who provide each student with support and guidance for learning and growing at their own pace.

Renfrew Educational Services: Offers Early Childhood Services (ECS) Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten programs. They also offer an Elementary Education Program where the teachers modify their programs and focus on the individual areas for growth for each child.

The Third Academy: Offers a well-balanced, individualized, integrated, and intensive program for each student, designed to prepare them for re-entry into their community school as quickly as possible. Their program serves students 5-19 years of age who fit the Alberta Education criterion of special needs. Specifically, our students have been assessed as having mild, moderate, or severe disabilities or disorders. These could be learning disabilities, socio-emotional difficulties, or both.

Schools for students with Learning Disabilities

Some schools for students with special education requirements, learning disabilities or/and ADHD such as: Calgary Academy and Rundle Academy would accept children with autism on a case-by-case basis if they can accommodate their needs.  

Calgary Academy: Offers kindergarten, blended+, collegiate, and academy streams with a focus on student-centred experiences that nurture a love of learning from Kindergarten to Grade 12.

Play In The Sun Inc.: Provides a University model for children, youth, young adults and/or professionals in career transitions. Their program emphasizes individualized learning through a combination of in-person and online methods. Play in the Sun Inc serves the community by promoting a balanced approach to education, encompassing technology, outdoor activities. Providing therapy supports (OT/BC/Therapy Assistants and Respite as well as community aides.

Rundle Academy: Rundle provides an outstanding educational experience for over 1100 students in Kindergarten through Grade 12. In addition to high academic achievement, Rundle’s programs emphasize character development, leadership training, and good citizenship.

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• Learning About Private And Independent Schools

Posted by Guide to Schools | Apr 1, 2022 | Parent Resources , Safety | 0 |

Some parents will inevitably prefer that their child receives education outside of the public school system and, therefore, may decide to enroll their child in a school that follows the private system. Private and independent schools are founded, conducted and maintained by a private group rather than by the government and often charge tuition, or have other fees associated with enrollment. In Alberta there are two types of private schools: registered private schools and accredited private schools. Registered private schools, defined by the School Act, meet the basic registration requirements established by the Minister, and are not eligible for Alberta Education funding. As well, registered are not required to teach the Alberta Program of Study but are expected to have results that are uniform with The Goals and Standards Applicable to the Provisions of Basic Education in Alberta. Accredited private schools are approved by the Minister under the School Act, and request additional recognition beyond basic registration to obtain accredited character. Any private school that is non-funded is required to enroll seven or more students and from a total of two or more families. Accredited private schools break into three different categories: • Accredited non-funded schools are predominantly language and culture schools, but some put focus on adult learning. • Accredited funded schools meet educational standards and are entitled to partial provincial funding. In accredited funded schools students are required to write provincial tests and are taught the Alberta Programs Study by Alberta certified teachers. • Designated Special Education Private Schools (DSEPS) only work with students who have special needs, and provide education services to students who are entitled to special learning programs. DSEPS’, which are approved every year by the Director of the Special Programs Branch, meet the same liability requirements for funding as public systems and receive the same special education funding rates. According to the Alberta Education, accredited private schools must employ certified teachers and must follow the Alberta Education Program of Studied, which identifies what students are expected to learn and do in all subjects and grades. Many private and independent schools follow a particular philosophy or viewpoint that is based on a careful match between school and parent values about learning. A long-term commitment is desired by private school educators in order to allow individual students to achieve the Alberta curriculum according to their own development and encourages mastery over content before moving a student to a more challenging level. Students will exercise project-based learning with specialist teachers in the core curriculum as well as in art, drama, music, language, home economics, and computer science. All of these options take a well-balanced approach and give students control over their learning. Private and independent schools focus on well-rounded integrated studies programs that will provide students the opportunity to pursue their academic interests and provide additional opportunities for students to learn hands-on skills, for example in culinary arts or a shop dedicated to maintenance. Alberta respects parental choice and upholds its educational standards, which reflects one of the reasons why the province is recognized for providing its citizens with one of the best education systems in the world. Built on a range of educational choices that provide diversity and healthy competition, independent and private schools were designed to enhance the efforts of providing excellence in education, and be an integral part to Alberta’s development of a first-rate school system.

As parents, our relationship with technology is confusing as it can help the childhood obesity epidemic, but it is also part of the cause. Leading by example, making healthy food and drink choices, knowing what is in foods and making sure to get the whole family off the couch are all great places to start. Be part of the change and don’t let the epidemic affect your family.

About The Author

Guide to Schools

Guide to Schools Magazine and theguidetoschools.ca provide educational tips and resources for students, parents and teachers in Canada. Our intent is to guide parents, students and teachers in making the right choices when it comes to education in Canada.

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Private Schools Regulation, Alta Reg 93/2019

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Past version: as posted on Aug 28, 2019

• Alberta School Foundation Fund Regulation , Alta Reg 77/2019
• Board of Reference Fees Regulation , Alta Reg 79/2019
• Board Procedures Regulation , Alta Reg 82/2019
• Borrowing Regulation , Alta Reg 83/2019
• Certification of Teachers and Teacher Leaders Regulation , Alta Reg 123/2022
• Charter Schools Exemption and Application Regulation , Alta Reg 76/2019
• Charter Schools Regulation , Alta Reg 85/2019
• Disposition of Property Regulation , Alta Reg 86/2019
• Early Childhood Services Regulation , Alta Reg 126/2022
• Education Act Transitional Regulation , Alta Reg 125/2022
• Establishment of Separate School Districts Regulation , Alta Reg 88/2019
• Home Education Regulation , Alta Reg 89/2019
• In-person Learning Regulation , Alta Reg 226/2022
• Investment Regulation , Alta Reg 90/2019
• Petitions and Public Notices Regulation , Alta Reg 91/2019
• Private Schools Regulation , Alta Reg 127/2022
• Professional Conduct and Competency for Teachers and Teacher Leaders Regulation , Alta Reg 124/2022
• School Act Regulations Repeal Regulation , Alta Reg 80/2019
• School Councils Regulation , Alta Reg 94/2019
• School Fees Regulation , Alta Reg 95/2019
• School Transportation Regulation , Alta Reg 96/2019
• Separate School Regions Establishment Order , Alta Reg 99/2019
• Special School Tax Levy Plebiscite Regulation , Alta Reg 78/2019
• Student Record Regulation , Alta Reg 97/2019
• Superintendent of Schools Regulation , Alta Reg 98/2019

Repealed, Spent or Not in Force

• Certification of Teachers and Teacher Leaders Regulation , Alta Reg 84/2019
• Early Childhood Services Regulation , Alta Reg 87/2019
• Practice Review of Teachers and Teacher Leaders Regulation , Alta Reg 92/2019
• Private Schools Regulation , Alta Reg 93/2019

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