Often, families come to Providence at a very difficult time in their lives. First, the realization their child may not be developing typically; then, seemingly endless doctors’ appointments, medical tests and assessments . . . and more doctor’s appointments. Often, there remains a lot of questions and very few answers, and uncertainty about the future for their precious child and for their family as a whole.

Parents tell us stories of harsh judgment by strangers in grocery stores and playgrounds and a shrinking pool of friends as their child is excluded from birthday parties and backyard barbeques. We know parents who have taken their child to 11 doctor’s appointments in two weeks; parents whose child is five and hasn’t slept more than two hours at a time; a child who has been turned away from 17 childcare facilities because they cannot handle their behaviour; and moms who have chosen to end their professional careers to care full-time for their child.

The stress can be hard on family relationships, and it’s often difficult to know where to turn or what to do next for your child. But parents tell us the hardest part is wondering if anyone will be able to love and care for their child as they do, and entrusting their child’s care to strangers.

Our Mission: Working together with the child, family and community, we support the well-being and development of all children.

Our Vision: A community where every child is given the opportunity to reach for and achieve their full potential.

Our Values:

• Passion – We are driven to apply our skills and energy to be the best we can be.
• Respect – We have respect for each other, for children and families and for all stakeholders.
• Learning – We are committed to life-long learning and continuous improvement.
• Leadership – We are committed to knowledge sharing, best practices, collaboration and innovation.

Our Guiding Principles are continued here: About Providence: Mission/Vision/Our Values/Our Guiding Principles.

Our Accomplishments:  Providence prides itself on changing and growing to meet the needs of Calgary families for over 75 years.

• Providence now has the largest PUF Program in the province outside of Edmonton.
• In 2023 Providence celebrated 80 years!
• In 2019 we increased support for students with complex communication needs.
• In 2018 we purchased our Falconridge location and renovated it for an additional 54 students to register.
• In 2016 the McKenzie Towne school expansion was completed, creating space for 70 more students and renovating our Windsor Park school adding an additional classroom.

Providence Preschools:  Students get the expert attention they need – and deserve – to thrive. Each child has a direct, daily intensive educational and therapeutic program delivered by a team of certified teachers, speech-language pathologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and therapeutic and educational assistants who work right in the classroom alongside the children.

Our low child-to-staff ratios allow for individual and small group support when necessary, while at the same time developing children’s skills in a social, play-based program.

• Early Intervention (19 months – 32 months)
• Preschool (2.8 to 4 years)
• Junior Kindergarten (4 to 5 years)
• Kindergarten (5 to 6 years)

School locations: Windsor Park, Midnapore, McKenzie Towne, Beddington, Hawkwood, Falconridge

LEARN Program (community-based PUF program):

The Providence LEARN Program provides specialized educational and therapeutic services to children attending their neighbourhood preschool or child care program, allowing them to learn with confidence and success.

Providence in the Community:

Providence’s Community Services team of therapists and program coaches work through government and private companies to support the development of young children.

“We have been connected with Providence for over 16  years and have had the opportunity to visit with staff, parents and preschool children with disabilities at  a number of  their schools and functions. We have seen first-hand the exceptional work Providence and its staff do for these preschool children with disabilities. To see the progress these children make under their guidance and the looks of joy on their parents faces says it all – it is truly extraordinary.

The efforts and work they do has encouraged our family  to be annual donators to their cause and we consider them to be our charity of choice. It has also inspired us over the 16 years to be deeply involved in their fund raising efforts of the annual charity golf tournament, charity casino and many other events.

We can attest to the difference they make in the. lives of disabled young children and their families in Calgary. We believe Providence is very deserving of recognition for the contribution they have made in our community over the past 75 years. A truly exceptional organization!”

Annual fundraising events:

• Wildcatter’s Golf Tournament – if you like to golf, our golf tournament is held every August helping young children receive the education and therapy they require.
• Pucks for Providence – this 3-day hockey tournament is great for corporate teams, recreational teams, hosting clients, and any adult hockey team that would like to support Providence!