Teachers providing early literacy assistance will either already possess the necessary skills or will receive specialized inservice in this type of instruction. Alberta Education has provided funding to school authorities to allow them to hire additional staff and to purchase learning materials or provide inservice to teachers. Each school authority will determine the type of early literacy program they will provide, and hire individuals to help implement that program. The Early Literacy Initiative is intended to provide timely assistance to students who are having difficulties learning to read. It is intended to provide them with the skills and strategies they need to be successful learners.
Schools have access to counsellors and specialists who can diagnose learning disabilities.
All teachers have access to these specialists, and can consult with them if they suspect a student has a learning disability. You will be informed and consulted if this is needed for your child. School authorities will determine if their early literacy program is suitable for students with learning disabilities. There are a number of different early literacy programs in operation in Alberta schools. Your school board will decide what the program will look like in your school.