Kids Included

Inclusive child care means creating opportunities for every child to participate, engage and feel like they belong. 💛

Funded by the Government of Alberta, Inclusive Child Care (ICC) provides licensed Early Learning and Child Care programs with resources and supports to help successfully include children who have extra support needs.

The ICC Resource Bank is full of practical strategies, resources and inspiration that educators can use to create more meaningful, inclusive experiences for all children in their care.

Find it at https://www.iccalberta.ca/

Sometimes the first step toward inclusion is simply learning what’s possible.

Creating an inclusive child care environment doesn’t mean having all the answers from day one. It means being open to learning, building new skills, and finding practical ways to support the meaningful participation of every child.

Our Access, Support and Participation Program (ASaP) helps educators build the skills, knowledge and confidence to do exactly that. ASaP is open to licensed child care providers across Alberta, including licensed family dayhomes and family dayhome agencies.

Because when educators have the right knowledge, tools and support, more children have the opportunity to truly be included.

Learn more at https://www.kidsincluded.ca/access-support-and-participation-program

We're hiring an ASaP Coach!

Kids Included is looking for a full-time Coach, Access Support and Participation (ASaP) to work with licensed child care programs throughout Edmonton and Central Alberta.

Through coaching, professional learning and collaboration, you'll help early learning and care teams build high-quality, inclusive environments that support the social-emotional development and meaningful participation of all children.

📅 Apply by August 27, 2026
📩 Send your resume to [email protected]
🔗 Learn more at https://www.kidsincluded.ca/work-for-us

The words children hear become part of how they see themselves.

These might seem like small things to say, but they can help create environments where children feel understood, supported and valued for exactly who they are.

Inclusion is built in everyday moments, and sometimes, it starts with the words we choose.

Swipe through for a few things every child deserves to hear. 💙 And if one stands out to you, share it with someone who needs the reminder.

Want to use your experience to help build a more inclusive future for all children?

Kids Included is currently recruiting volunteer Directors to join our Board.

For more than 40 years, families of children with disabilities have trusted Kids Included as a partner in supporting inclusion, wellbeing and meaningful participation in early learning, family life and the community. Our Board plays an important role in helping guide that work forward.

We are seeking individuals with previous board governance experience, strong business and community connections, and 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.

Board members serve three-year terms and meet eight times in the early evening between September and June.

Interested? Please 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

What does the word inclusive mean to you?

For some, it means having a seat at the table. For others, it means being heard, understood, accommodated, or simply feeling like they belong.

At Kids Included, we believe inclusion is something we create through everyday choices. It's making room for different ways of learning, communicating, playing, and participating so every child has the opportunity to thrive, in their own way.

There isn't one right answer, because inclusion looks different for everyone.

💙 We'd love to hear from you. What does inclusive mean to you? Share your thoughts in the comments.

If you're planning to enjoy the music at the 124th Street Afternoon Sound Sessions, we'd love to meet you!

On Saturday, August 8, from 4:00–6:00 PM, the Kids Included team will be at Helen Nolan Park with information about our programs and the work we're doing to support children with disabilities and their families.

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or simply curious to learn more about inclusive early childhood services, stop by our table and say hello. We'd love to connect with you!

Thank you to Shop 124 Street & Area for bringing the community together through events like this. We can't wait to see you there!

Many people hear the word ableism and assume it refers only to intentional discrimination.

In reality, ableism can also show up in subtle ways through attitudes, assumptions, language, and systems that unintentionally exclude people with disabilities.

Some examples might include:
👉 Assuming everyone can use stairs.
👉 Expecting eye contact or verbal communication from everyone.
👉 Designing events without considering accessibility.
👉 Believing there's only one "right" way to learn, communicate, or participate.

These ideas are often shaped by the culture we grow up in, not because people intend to exclude others. That's why learning and unlearning are both lifelong processes.

When we recognize ableism, we create opportunities to do better. We ask questions, listen to lived experiences, and design spaces where more people can belong.

Inclusion isn't about being perfect. It's about being willing to learn, unlearn, adapt, and make room for everyone's unique strengths and needs.

Tell us: what is one way you've seen inclusion thoughtfully put into practice?

We're looking for two passionate professionals to join the Kids Included team:

• Speech-Language Pathologist to join our Early Childhood Services (ECS) team
• Occupational Therapist to join our ASaP/ICC team

If you're looking for meaningful work that makes a real difference, we'd love to hear from you. These roles support children and families by delivering high-quality, evidence-informed services in homes, childcare programs, and other community settings, helping every child participate, belong, and thrive.

These postings will remain open until suitable candidates are found.

Visit our website to learn more: https://www.kidsincluded.ca/work-for-us
Apply by sending your resume to [email protected].

We're looking for a Family Support Assistant to join the Kids Included team in a part-time (10 hours/week) role supporting children with complex medical needs and neurodevelopmental disabilities in their homes, communities, and educational settings.

In this role, you'll work alongside families and a multidisciplinary team to help children participate meaningfully in everyday routines using evidence-informed, family-centred, and neurodiversity-affirming practices. Every day brings the opportunity to build relationships, celebrate strengths, and make a lasting impact.

If you're passionate about inclusion and want to make a difference in the lives of children and families, we'd love to hear from you.

This position is open until July 31, 2026.
Apply today by sending your resume to [email protected].

Learn more: https://www.kidsincluded.ca/work-for-us