The Apraxia Preschool Program (TAPP)
Community Options is excited to offer a preschool program designed for children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech. Apraxia or Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a motor speech disorder that impacts the ability to speak clearly. This preschool program is the first of its kind in Alberta and focuses on the unique and specific needs of children with this diagnosis. Please see below for more information about apraxia of speech and our TAPP program
Applications for TAPP 2024-25 are currently on hold
We are currently processing a high volume of applications. We appreciate the interest in TAPP! Please check back as we may re-open applications, if spaces remain.
To inquire about being put on our waitlist, please contact: alexisz@communityoptions.ab.ca
If you have questions about our TAPP program, please consult our FAQ. You may also reach us with inquiries at 780-902-6575.
IMPORTANT:
While we strongly encourage families to apply early, registration in the program is not first-come, first-served. Priority is given to children with a confirmed diagnosis of apraxia, and age-appropriate receptive language.
Address
11130 131 Street NW
Edmonton, AB T5M 1C1
Inquiries:
780-902-6575
Current Families:
780-221-2889
Cost
Free for eligible students
School Hours
Half-day preschool program
M-Th 9:15am - 12:00 pm
September - June
Eligibility
Children who are born in 2020 or 2021 are eligible to apply (children born in the Fall of 2019 may also be eligible, if they have not yet accessed 2 years of PUF funding).
Priority will be given to children with a confirmed diagnosis of apraxia.
Consideration will also be given to children with suspected apraxia, motor speech disorder, and/or severe phonological delays.
Children’s receptive language (their understanding of language) must be within normal limits/age-appropriate.
Apraxia-Centered
The Apraxia Preschool Program is a classroom for up to 12 children. Priority will be given to children with a confirmed diagnosis of apraxia (see eligibility criteria above). Our program will use an intensive therapeutic model as well as other evidence-based best practices and classroom supports. We aim to provide a safe, fun, and supportive environment where children and their families have the opportunity to build the skills they need to be successful in future academic and community environments.
Multidisciplinary Team
The classroom team will include a certified Teacher, a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), and a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA). Children will be immersed in daily opportunities to practice their individual speech goals, in a supportive and play-based environment. They will have access to weekly individual and group therapy sessions with the SLP and SLPA, as well as classroom programming that targets preliteracy and social-emotional skills. Occupational Therapists (OT) and Physical Therapists (PT) will provide consultative services for children who need extra support in these areas.
Diagnosing Apraxia
In Alberta, apraxia is typically diagnosed by a Speech-Language Pathologist with advanced training in this area. The assessment process involves several steps, including a parent interview, several formal and informal speech tasks that the child must complete, and an oral-mechanism exam to rule out structural difficulties.
Treating Apraxia
Children with apraxia need frequent, intensive practice to improve their speech. Current research suggests that these children should be seen for treatment at least 3 times per week to make the best possible gains. Because children with apraxia are also at increased risk for literacy difficulties (reading and writing), it is best to work on their early literacy skills from a young age (e.g. awareness of rhyme, syllables, sounds, and letters).