Kids Included

10/09/2026

Save the date AND save some of that professional development budget! 👀

Registration is officially open for next year's Kids Included Inclusion Summit on Early Learning and Child Care, happening March 11, 2027 at the Fantasyland Hotel in Edmonton.

This full day of learning is designed for anyone who works with young children in an early learning setting, including program directors, classroom teachers, educational assistants and family dayhome educators.

This year’s Summit will feature a welcome message and keynote address from Zachary Weeks, followed by a full day of learning with Dr. Shelley Moore, plus opportunities to connect with other professionals and explore the vendor hall.

📅 March 11, 2027
⏰ 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
📍 Fantasyland Hotel, Edmonton

Registration is now open! Save your spot and make the Inclusion Summit part of your 2027 professional development plans: 🔗 https://www.kidsincluded.ca/event-details/inclusion-summit-2027

10/08/2026

Every child is different, and that’s something to celebrate. 💛

When we create spaces that welcome different ways of learning, communicating, moving and participating, we create spaces where more children can truly belong.

Tap "share" to help spread the word!

10/07/2026

Quality early learning and child care is an investment in children, families and our communities. 💛

A group of 22 prominent Canadians has signed an open letter calling for early childhood education and care to be recognized as a nation-building investment in Canada’s future.

The research highlighted alongside the letter reinforces why this matters. Quality child care supports children’s physical, emotional, social and intellectual development, while also helping families participate in the workforce and contributing to Canada’s economy.

At Kids Included, we know that quality child care also means creating environments where children of all abilities have opportunities to participate, learn and belong.

We encourage families, educators, community leaders and decision-makers to read the letter and explore the research behind it.

Read the open letter:

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10/06/2026

We’re excited to announce the 2nd Annual Drive Inclusion fundraising luncheon! 💛

Join us on November 18 at the Royal Glenora Club for an afternoon of connection, stories and meaningful conversation about how we can build a future where all children have the opportunity to participate and belong.

This year, we’re shining a light on early expulsion from child care, why children with neurodevelopmental disabilities are disproportionately affected, and how we can work together to better support children, families and educators. You’ll hear from families whose lives have been impacted by Kids Included, learn about what we’ve accomplished over the past year and get a look at where we’re headed next. All funds raised will support Kids Included programs and services.

📅 November 18, 2026
⏰ 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
📍 Royal Glenora Club, Edmonton
🎟️ Tickets: $125 per person

Tickets must be purchased by November 4.

We hope you’ll join us and help Drive Inclusion forward. 💙
🔗 https://www.kidsincluded.ca/event-details/drive-inclusion-2026

10/02/2026

You don’t need a background in early childhood education to make a difference at Kids Included.

We’re recruiting new volunteer members for our Board of Directors, and we’re looking for people who can bring their professional experience, skills, networks and perspectives to help guide our organization and build a more inclusive future.

We’re especially interested in applicants with previous board governance experience and strong business or community connections, with expertise in areas including legal, finance, business, innovation and entrepreneurship, healthcare and human resources.

Kids Included parents and alumni parents are also encouraged to apply — your experience and perspective are incredibly valuable around the table.

Send a short cover letter and resume outlining your relevant experience to [email protected], to the attention of the Board Chair, by October 5, 2026.

Learn more: https://www.kidsincluded.ca/post/call-for-volunteer-board-directors

09/30/2026

The impacts of colonization and systemic racism continue to affect Indigenous communities today, including children and families who may face intersecting barriers.

On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we reflect on the truth of Canada’s history while continuing our commitment to creating spaces where every child is safe, supported, included and able to belong.

Reconciliation is ongoing work, and there are many ways to engage meaningfully today and throughout the year:

🧠 Keep learning: Read survivor stories and explore the 94 Calls to Action.
🎧 Listen and unlearn: Seek out Indigenous voices through books, podcasts, films and other resources.
📙 Take a course: We recommend the "Indigenous Canada" course through the University of Alberta.
🪶 Attend a local event: Show up, listen and learn.
🧡 Wear orange: Honour survivors, their families and the children who never came home.
📣 Talk with children: Create age-appropriate opportunities to learn about truth, empathy, fairness and respect.
✍️ Take action: Support Indigenous-led organizations and consider the role you can play in reconciliation.

Today is a day for reflection, learning and action, but that work should continue every day.

Please note: Our office is closed today and will reopen tomorrow on October 1st.

09/29/2026

At Kids Included, we do our best to stay current with best practices around disability terminology and to keep learning as language and preferences evolve.

Why does it matter? Because language can shape how we think about disability and, more importantly, how people feel seen, respected and included. Some terms that were commonly used in the past are now outdated or harmful. Preferences can also differ from person to person and community to community.

There isn’t always one “perfect” term. A good place to start is by listening to disabled people, respecting individual preferences, avoiding language that reinforces stereotypes and being willing to change the words we use as we learn more.

Inclusive language is just one part of inclusion, but it’s an important one.

09/28/2026

You’ve built experience in your career and your community. What if you could use it to help build a more inclusive future for children and families?

Kids Included is looking for new members to join our volunteer Board of Directors and bring their professional experience, perspective and community connections to the table.

Board members play an important role in helping guide our organization at a strategic level and shape what comes next for Kids Included.

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to put your experience to work in your community, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now! Send a short cover letter and resume outlining your relevant experience to [email protected], to the attention of the Board Chair, by October 5, 2026.

Learn more: https://www.kidsincluded.ca/post/call-for-volunteer-board-directors

09/25/2026

What does access to inclusive early learning and child care really look like for Alberta families?

A new Inclusion in Childcare Policy Scan from PolicyWise for Children & Families takes a closer look at Alberta’s ELCC system, the barriers families continue to face, and opportunities to make inclusive, high-quality child care more consistent across the province.

For anyone who cares about the future of inclusive child care in Alberta, this report is worth a read.

Read it now:

09/24/2026

September is CVI Awareness Month.

Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) is a brain-based visual impairment and a leading cause of childhood blindness and low vision, yet it is often missed or misunderstood.

CVI can impact much more than how a child sees. It can affect how they access information, navigate their environment, participate in activities, communicate and learn - and it can look different for every child.

A student putting their head down in class, avoiding eye contact or struggling with a worksheet may not be disengaged or unmotivated. Sometimes, there’s more happening beneath the surface.

This month, we’re encouraging families, educators and therapists to learn more about CVI and understand how it can impact a child’s learning and development. Greater awareness can lead to earlier recognition, more appropriate supports and environments that give every child more opportunities to participate, learn and grow.

Learn more at perkins.org/what-is-cvi