Potty Training Readiness
Most doctors recommend waiting until 3 years old to begin potty training, although potty training readiness varies significantly between children.
Signs your child may be ready:
- The ability to walk (so they can walk to the bathroom on their own)
- Urinating a fair amount at once or having “dry periods.”
- Having the fine motor skills to be able to dress and undress themselves
- Being able to sit in one place for a period of time
- Disliking the feelings of a wet or dirty diaper
- Having a way to communicate the need to go
Watch:
Potty Training Support:
- My Health Alberta - Toilet Training
- Toilet Training Children with Down Syndrome (NDSS)
- Down Syndrome & Toilet Training
Early Intervention and Program Unit Funding (PUF)
The milestones that children reach are the tip of the iceberg with far more development taking place unseen and below the surface. Many children benefit from early intervention, the term used to cover the physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and special educational help given to pre-school aged children. These professionals work with the child and parents, devising programs that are followed in the home. Any areas where the child is having specific difficulties are targeted to prevent possible delays with future development.
Program Unit Funding (PUF)
- Start to look at registration one year prior
- Program Unit Funding, or ‘PUF’ is educationally focused funding available to children in Alberta between 2 years, 8 months, and 6 years of age. Parents do not have to apply for funding, school authorities will access this funding on the family's behalf. The goal is to provide early intervention services to students across the province, in the hopes of providing a successful transition into their early elementary years.
- To enrol a child in PUF programming, parents must present documentation indicating that their child has a medical diagnosis impacting their development, such as Down syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Global Developmental Delay, or Cerebral Palsy. Children can also qualify for PUF by providing a report from a qualified therapist indicating severe delays in key developmental areas, such as speech and language.
Available through:
- Private ECS Operators: Max 3 years
- Public Boards: Max 2 years, with added support in kindergarten
Talk to your school board or ECS provider about how to access PUF.
Inclusive Child Care Program- The Provincial Inclusive Child Care (ICC) Program was developed to provide consistent and equitable services to licensed childcare programs and family day home agencies across the province and the children and families they serve.
Access Support and Participation (ASaP)
ASaP aims to provide access to the supports needed to ensure each child’s meaningful participation in childcare programs. ASaP partners with childcare programs who have staff committed to a long-term learning process (up to 2 years).
Through active participation in ASaP’s professional learning series and on-site coaching, educators and program leadership teams adopt the Pyramid Model framework to learn new professional practices. These practices include nurturing children’s social and emotional development, how to prevent and respond to challenging behaviour, and leadership development to create inclusive policy to guide the creation of a high quality inclusive Early Learning and Childcare program and to sustain change over time.
Language Development (Up to Age 6):
Along with Speech Language Pathology appointments, it is important to keep up your child's language skills by regularly practicing at home. The development of children with Down syndrome proceeds in a series of stops and starts. Stops are when children do not appear to be learning any new skills. These lulls in development are very important – they indicate that the child is consolidating what they have learned by practising their new skill, and it is a time when they are beginning to develop the components for their next skill.
Topics to Explore:
Basis for Speech, Language and Communication
First Words and Phrases
Infants and Toddlers
Preschool Through Kindergarten
Childhood Apraxia
School-Age Children
Adolescents
Adults
Oral Motor Skill Difficulties
Helpful Resources:
Early Communication Skills for Children with Down Syndrome by Libby Kumin (Book)
At-Home Tools:
Down’s Syndrome Association (UK) - Speech & Language Activities
TouchChat App - Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)
Saltillo - Core Flip Book for Augmentative Communication
Sign Language in Early Intervention - LifePrint
MyHealth Alberta - Using Books to Help Toddlers Learn Language
Down Syndrome Education International - Resources
University of North Carolina - Center for Literacy & Disability Studies (CLDS)
The Hanen Centre Handouts And Tips
Your child will require a general pediatric and neurological exam, which includes evaluation for signs of spinal cord compression, as well as a brief vulvar exam for girls. Use Down syndrome growth charts, as well as growth charts for typically developing children, making sure to plot height for weight on the latter chart. During this period, ensure that your child receives the labs and consults below, and monitor for common health issues.
Lab and Consults:
- Echocardiogram by a pediatric cardiologist if not done previously;
- Thyroid function test (TSH and T4) yearly;
- Screen as above for Celiac as above at age three (as per NASPGHN guidelines), on subsequent visits screen with any clinical suspicion.
- Behavioural auditory testing every 6 months until 3 years of age, then yearly.
- Administer immunizations as per Canadian guidelines.
Sleep:
Obstructive sleep apnea is common in children with Down syndrome. Since it can lead to a decrease in language and behavioural skills, which become particularly important in school-age children, it’s important to look out for symptoms, such as restless sleep, snoring, and waking up during the night, throughout childhood.
Down’s Syndrome Association (UK) - Sleep and Down Syndrome
Dietary:
As your child grows up, they are now able to have access to a variety of new foods. This guide provides some helpful tips to manage your child’s diet as they grow up.
Healthy Eating Tips for Toddlers with Down Syndrome
Additionally, children with Down syndrome are more likely to be diagnosed with Celiac disease. Screen your child for symptoms such as:
- disordered bowel functions, diarrhea, or new onset constipation
- failure to thrive using the Down Syndrome growth charts
- abdominal distention
- general unhappiness
- arthritis
- rashes suggestive of Dermatitis herpetiformis
- type I diabetes
- thyroid disease
- anemia
If your child is Antitransglutaminase positive, IgA pos, or immunologically negative with significant symptoms, they will need a small intestine biopsy.
The Celiac Association of Edmonton provides support for parents of children with Celiac disease, as well as tips and resources on creating and maintaining a gluten-free diet for your child.
Vision: Continue regular eye exams every year if normal, or more frequently as indicated.
Children in kindergarten are eligible to receive free glasses and frames through the Eyes See Eye Learn program, ask your optometrist!
Dental: An initial dental evaluation at two years of age with follow-ups every six months is highly recommended for children with Down syndrome, as delayed and missing teeth are common.
Simply Orthodontics - Specialist Team
Pediatric Dentistry: Supporting Special Needs Care
Recommendations:
- Twice daily teeth brushing.
- Total caloric intake should be below recommended daily allowance (RDA) for children of similar height and age.
- Monitor for well-balanced, high fiber diet.
- Regular exercise and recreational programs should be established and encouraged early.
- Continue speech therapy and physical therapy as needed.
- Continue SBE prophylaxis for children with cardiac defects.
- Monitor the family’s need for respite care, supportive counseling and behavior management techniques. Reinforce the importance of good self-care skills (grooming, dressing, and money handling skills).
Equipment Supports: If your child requires equipment or assistive technology, there are many great options here in Edmonton!
Children & Youth Equipment Program (Ages 0-17)
We know navigating funding options for accessibility equipment can be overwhelming, and that’s where we come in. Our dedicated team is here to guide you through the process, helping you access the resources your family needs. From power wheelchairs to lifts and other essential equipment, we are committed to making a meaningful difference for your child.
Children & Youth Equipment Applications (Ages 0-18) - Easter Seals Alberta
Children’s Ability Fund (Ages 0-21)
The Children’s Ability Fund offers individual funding for specialized equipment for children with disabilities to be able to complete everyday tasks. These include mobility devices, assistive technologies, and other items. They also run the Bikes For Tykes program, which funds customized bicycles for children with disabilities.
Children’s Ability Fund - What We Do
AADL - Alberta Aids to Daily Living (All Ages)
Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) is a Government of Alberta program that provides basic equipment and supplies to Albertans with a long-term disability, chronic or terminal illness. The Community Aids for Independent Living program is run through Alberta Health Services, and comprises a team of healthcare providers who help people access equipment funded by AADL. They also provide clinical assessments for those receiving equipment through the program.
Community Aids for Independent Living - Alberta Health Services
The Tetra Society of North America (All Ages)
The Tetra Society provides custom-made assistance devices to those requiring devices that are not commercially available or cost-prohibitive. If you’re struggling to find an assistive device that meets your child’s specific needs and challenges, they may be able to provide assistance.
Tetra Society of North America
Mental Health Resources:
Raising Children Network - Mental Health For Children With Disabilities
Kindergarten to Grade 12
- Specialized Learning Support Grant - Through the Specialized Learning Support Grant, your child will be able to attend a regular school classroom with support. Your child should receive an Individualized Program Plan and the support that they require to be successful. You should speak to the administration team at your child's designated school within your school district and work with the team to set up support for your child.
- IPP/ISP/IEP - Your child will receive support through Alberta Education either through Program Unit Funding (PUF) if they are preschool-aged or through the Specialized Learning Support Grant if they are in kindergarten through to Grade 12. If your child is receiving support through Alberta Education, there should be an IPP (or IEP, ISP) in place to guide the teacher and learning team with goals and outcomes for the current school year. The IPP should include any accommodation or support that will be put in place to help the child or student be successful.
About - Individual Education Plan (IEP)
Provided by the Down Syndrome Association of Ontario. Addresses frequently asked questions surrounding IEPs and how they may differ from other educational documents.
School Choice in Edmonton – In the Edmonton area, usually children must attend their designated or neighbourhood school and the school will put appropriate support plans in place for the child.
If you are moving to Edmonton, it is advisable that you do some research to figure out which program or school is the best fit for your child.
- Edmonton Public Schools
- Edmonton Public Specialized Programming
- Programs - Edmonton Catholic Schools
- Grades 1-12 – Elves Special Needs Society
Educational Supports (After-school and at home):
Education Support – The PREP Program
Natural Beach Living - Welcome Page
Respite Services:
Now is a great time to start looking into respite services. Most respite services are covered by FSCD, but make sure to confirm with your provider.
Skills Society - Children's Respite Services
YWCA Edmonton - Disability Services
Family Activities:
Undercover Tourist - Disney World's Disability Access Services (DAS) Card
Cineplex - Sensory-Friendly Screenings
Landmark Cinemas - Sensory Friendly Films
Natural Beach Living - Printables
Hunny I’m Home DIY - Family Movie Night Printables
Bren Did - Plan a Family Movie Night (Free Printables)
William Watson Lodge - Alberta Parks
Recreation and Extracurricular Activities:
At this stage, children can also take part in activities outside of school. These activities have many benefits: they can help with developing coordination and strengthening muscles, learning valuable communication and social skills, and can give your child a chance to become more independent outside of the home.
Year-round Programs
Edmonton Amateur Baseball Association - Challenger Baseball
The Steadward Centre - Adult Fitness & Recreation
Skate Canada - Adaptive Skating
KC Hockey - Contact
Dance Theme Academy
SGS Dance
Amanda’s Academy of Dance (AAOD)
My Gym - Edmonton
Little Bits Therapeutic Riding Association
City of Edmonton - Adapted Programs
Summer Programs
Leisure Access and Supports
Edmonton Leisure Access Program
Safety Education Resources:
Now is also a great time to talk to your child about safety and “stranger danger”, as they’ll be gaining more exposure to adults outside of their immediate family. These resources can help provide a guide to go about these conversations.
Stranger Safety For Your Special Needs Child
Canadian Centre for Child Protection - Child-Serving Organizations