What is the Inclusive Child Care Program?
The program helps child care programs and educators increase their capacity and confidence to
use inclusive practices for all children, including those with extra support needs. ICC also works
to increase families’ access to inclusive child care and prevent the exclusion or removal of
children from programs.
ICC uses evidence-based and trauma-informed strategies to guide this work. The Pyramid
Model is a foundational framework used by ICC to promote social and emotional development,
prevent challenging behaviour, and support individualized interventions when needed. Through
coaching, collaboration, and practical tools, ICC helps programs create safe, responsive, and
predictable environments where all children, and the adults who care for them, can learn,
grow, and thrive.
ICC is free to access for licensed child care programs, approved family day homes, and licensed
out-of-school care programs.
The Inclusive Child Care (ICC) Program is funded by the Government of Alberta – Ministry of
Education and Child Care, and is administered by Key Connections Consulting in the South
Region.
What to Expect
Inclusive Child Care support begins with onsite observations to get to know the program,
educators, and children. This collaborative process is the first step in building a support
agreement to guide our work together.
- Inclusive Child Care support agreements are provided for six months, with the option to
extend.
Regular onsite coaching sessions begin at a weekly to bi-weekly basis and reduce as determined
through discusses with the ICC coach, educators, and leadership to ensure everyone feels
supported.
Directors and program leadership play an important role in the success of ICC services. Active
participation from all involved is essential.
Services Provided
Coaching
ICC coaching is a collaborative, on-site support process that helps child care educators apply
inclusive, evidence-based, and trauma-informed strategies in their everyday practice. Coaches
partner with programs to observe, reflect, and co-create practical action plans that build skills,
confidence, and capacity to support all children.
Coaching sessions can include in-room mentorship for skills and strategies, out-of-ratio
meetings to promote collaboration and solution-focused planning, and professional learning
opportunities to enhance knowledge and skill development.
Through evidence-based approaches, coaching supports educators to:
- Build skills, confidence, and capacity to provide inclusive care
- Support the developmental, social, and emotional needs of all children
- Apply trauma-informed and evidence-based strategies in early learning environments
- Foster resilience and protective factors for programs, children, and families in the early
years
Coaches can access specialized services to support the program, such as Occupational Therapy,
Speech and Language Pathologists, and Behaviour Consultants.
Professional Learning
Professional learning supports early child care educators to deepen their knowledge, build
practical skills, and stay current with emerging philosophies and practices. Ongoing and high-
quality learning experiences help strengthen the early learning and child care workforce so
programs can better support all children and families.
Professional learning opportunities are integrated into the coaching sessions with educators.
Team based sessions may be offered to deepen understanding of inclusive practices.
Professional development supports:
- Building educator confidence and skills
- Increasing inclusive practices
- Improving child outcomes
- Promoting consistency and teamwork
- Fostering staff wellness and enjoyment
Navigation
Navigation services help families and child care programs find, understand, and access the right
supports and services for children, including children with extra support needs. ICC works
alongside caregivers and educators to coordinate referrals, reduce barriers, and make complex
systems easier to navigate.
For Programs:
- Connect to community supports for program operations, staff wellness, culturally
responsive programming, and more
- Strengthen family relationships through improved communication, relationship building,
and facilitated collaborative meetings
- Support team confidence and collaboration by helping educators understand the
systems and challenges communities and families may be navigating
- Enhance knowledge of and access to community support systems
For Families:
- Explain and support access to resources within the program and/or community
- Help identify service options or programs to meet a child’s needs
- Guide families through referral and application processes for community services and
organizations
- Collaborate with families and programs to ensure clear and respectful communication
- Provide resources and strategies that are consistent across home and program
environments
How to Apply
To apply, please go to the Government of Alberta Child Care – Supports for Inclusion website.
https://www.alberta.ca/child-care-supports-for-inclusion
Please feel welcome to contact Key Connections Consulting for help applying for ICC or to
follow up on an application by emailing TracyHawkinsKCC@gmail.com
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