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The Apraxia Preschool Program

Ages 2 years, 8 months - 5 years

Play-based preschool with intensive speech and language support for children with Apraxia

At TAPP, we work with children and families to: improve clarity of speech, maximize literacy outcomes, and build confidence and advocacy skills. 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. Children with Apraxia need frequent, intensive practice to improve their speech.  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.

TAPP Application

Program Details

What is Apraxia?
Apraxia is a neurological disorder that affects a person’s ability to plan and carry out purposeful movements, even though their muscles are not paralyzed and they understand the task. In children, this often appears as difficulty coordinating the movements needed for speech, known as childhood apraxia of speech. Childhood Apraxia of Speech impacts approximately 1–2 out of every 1,000 children.

Diagnosing Apraxia
Childhood Apraxia of Speech is best diagnosed by a Speech-Language Pathologist who has specialized training in this area. The assessment process can be lengthy and should include a parent interview, a series of formal and informal speech tasks for the child, and an oral-mechanism exam.

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).

Eligibility 

  • Children aged 2 years, 8 months - 5 years
  • Children who are born in 2021 or 2022 are eligible to apply for the upcoming year (children born in the Fall of 2020 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. 
  • If spaces remain, consideration will also be given to children with suspected apraxia, developmental dysarthria, speech motor delay, and/or severe phonological delays.
  • Children’s receptive language (their understanding of language) must be within normal limits/age-appropriate.
  • We welcome applications for children who have more than one diagnosis (ex: hearing loss, autism, cerebral palsy, etc). Because our programming is highly focused on speech and pre-literacy, we require that speech be the child’s primary area of communication need at this point in time.
  • Children must have sufficient imitation and attention skills to engage in direct therapy focusing on speech movements.


The application form will take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete, and will require you to submit information about:

  • Personal and contact information for your child and family
  • Program that your child will attend
  • Any previous assessments your child has completed
  • Languages spoken in your home
  • What concerns you have about your child’s development


If you have questions about our TAPP program, please contact us at: 780-902-6575 or via email: TAPP@communityoptions.ab.ca

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.


APPLY FOR TAPP

Once we receive your application form, a member of our assessment team will be in touch with you within 7 business days to discuss the next steps for your child.

This may include:

  • Obtaining additional documentation if your child has seen other health professionals
  • Completing an assessment with your child
  • Attending a TAPP Screening or Open House event


This information is gathered to determine whether your child is eligible for PUF services through Alberta Education, and to ensure that TAPP is the best program fit for your child.


*Please Note:
Completing the above steps does not guarantee an assessment. It is a process for us to determine if an assessment is the appropriate course of action for your child.

 

If we determine your child is eligible for TAPP services, we will contact you to complete a registration form.

Registering with us means that you are choosing Community Options: TAPP as your Program unit funding (PUF) provider. In order to complete your registration:

  • You must complete the registration form we send you (online or paper copy available)
  • You must provide a copy of your child’s Birth Certificate

You will then receive confirmation of your registration. You will receive information from your child’s Program Director and Classroom Teacher over the summer, about the provision of services for the school year.


Programming & Philosophy

The Apraxia Preschool Program


The Apraxia Preschool Program offers classrooms of 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. Our SLP's are trained in a range of motor-based interventions for Childhood Apraxia of Speech, and deliver specialized treatment informed by evidence-based practice. This often includes 1-on-1 speech therapy up to 3 times per week.

Family
Involvement

We believe in and foster the philosophy that families are the most informed educators in a child's life. Family involvement creates a seamless network of care that supports a child’s growth and learning at home and in their everyday environments.

We support the family unit through inclusive programming and meaningful celebrations. These events engage not only the child but also the family in building a strong sense of community as we discover and explore together. We host Parent Programming Opportunities, Alumni events, and have a TAPP Lending Library of apraxia-themed resources to further support and engage our families.

Relationships with families are nurtured through regular communication, including daily conversations, newsletters, and volunteer opportunities.


FAQ

The Apraxia Preschool Program (TAPP)

At TAPP, we work with children and families to: improve clarity of speech, maximize literacy outcomes, and build confidence and advocacy skills.

Program Days: Monday - Thursday
Times: Mornings 9:15 – 12:00
Edmonton Cost: There is no cost to families at this time.


What are the eligibility criteria?

For the 2025-26 school year, children must be born in either 2021 or 2022. Children born in the Fall of 2020 may also be eligible if they have not yet accessed 2 years of Program Unit Funding (PUF). Priority is given to children with a confirmed diagnosis of Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), and age-appropriate receptive language. If spaces are available, consideration will also be given to children with suspected CAS, other motor speech disorders, and/or severe phonological disorders.

Can children who have a dual-diagnosis attend? (ex: Autism, hearing loss, etc).

Yes! We welcome applications for students who have more than one diagnosis. Because our programming is highly focused on speech and pre-literacy, we do require that speech be the child’s primary area of communication need at this point in time.

 

Children must have sufficient imitation and attention skills to engage in direct therapy focusing on speech movements.

What does the classroom look like?

The TAPP classroom team includes a Certified Teacher, Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), SLP-Assistant (SLPA), and an Educational Assistant (EA). Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT) supports are also available.

Classes contain up to 12 children.

What treatment approach is used?

For children with CAS or suspected CAS, a motor-based speech treatment approach is used. Treatment utilizes the principles of motor learning, and is highly individualized for each child. Many children who attend TAPP are appropriate candidates for DTTC (Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing).

What is the frequency of treatment?

Throughout the school year, students with CAS receive 3 intensive motor speech treatment blocks; each block lasts for 5-6 weeks. During that time, the child is seen for individual speech therapy sessions three times per week. Parents receive regular progress notes that include specific suggestions for home practice.

The SLPA and the rest of the classroom team support all children with multimodal communication in a play-based environment, and provide students with daily opportunities to practice their individual target words and phrases, in a social context.

Pre-literacy concepts, and in particular phonological awareness skills, are heavily embedded into the program day. Each month we focus on a specific skill or concept (ex: rhyming, narratives, blending of sounds in words) during targeted centres and group activities.

Is transportation available?

Bussing is not available at this time. Please note that Community Options also has a daycare available onsite. For more information about our Westmount daycare, please visit our contact page.

Multidisciplinary
Learning Team

The classroom team includes a Certified Teacher, a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), and a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA). At TAPP, children are immersed in daily opportunities to practice their individual speech goals, in a supportive and play-based environment. They have access to frequent individual 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) provide consultative services for children who need extra support in these areas.

 Speech-Language Pathologist



Address

Inquiries
780-902-6575

Current Families
780-221-2889

Email
TAPP@communityoptions.ab.ca

Program Hours

September - June
Monday to Thursday
9:15 am - 12:00 pm

Eligibility

Children aged
2 years, 8 months - 5 years who fall under the TAPP program criteria noted above.

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Parent
Testimonial

“TAPP provided a strong foundation for our Child’s transition into a mainstream classroom. He developed crucial skills like following group instructions, managing transitions, and engaging in cooperative play. The emphasis on social-emotional learning was particularly impactful, giving him the tools he needs to navigate new environments with greater independence and resilience.

Being in a group with children who had similar needs helped Child feel less isolated and more understood. He was able to build friendships without feeling different or left behind, which helped his confidence grow. Thank you again for the incredible work you do!”

View More Testimonials


Want more information about The Apraxia Preschool Program?

Fill out the form to learn more about The Apraxia Preschool Program (TAPP).  Our team will get back to you as soon as we can!

You can also reach us at: 780-902-6575

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