Early Childhood Services: Bridging the Gaps

Join ABC Head Start for our AGM, research presentation and expert panel exploring barriers and opportunities in early childhood services. Join ABC Head Start Society for an engaging, research-informed exploration of Edmonton's early childhood services system. Through a special research presentation and panel discussion featuring local sector leaders, we'll examine the challenges families face, gaps in service delivery and opportunities to strengthen support for children and families. The public presentation and panel discussion will follow a brief Annual General Meeting for ABC Head Start Society. Research Presentation - Four Children. Four Paths Through The System. Every child deserves access to the supports they need to thrive. But for families navigating early childhood education, developmental supports and community services, finding the right program isn't always straightforward. Through a research-informed presentation, we'll explore how families navigate Edmonton's early childhood service system, where barriers exist, and why some children with complex needs struggle to access appropriate support. Panel Discussion - Connecting the System: Bridging Gaps in Early Childhood Services Following the presentation, four leaders representing early childhood education, family resource networks, specialized services and community care will share their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities within the current system. Together, we'll examine how organizations, service providers and decision-makers can strengthen coordination, improve access and help ensure every child has an equal opportunity to thrive. --- Meet Our Panellists Our panel brings together four leaders representing different areas of Edmonton's early childhood services system: Kim Brousseau Programs Manager ABC Head Start Society Adine Shuchuk Executive Director Jasper Place Child and Family Resource Society Naida Meghji Director of Child Development & ECS Kinder Allen Gray Continuing Care Centre Dr. Sharon Randhawa Director, Quality Assurance and Early Childhood Services Centre for Autism Services Alberta Event Schedule • 5:00 PM – ABC Head Start Society Annual General Meeting • 5:30 PM – Research Presentation • 6:15 PM – Panel Discussion • 7:00 PM – Event concludes Special Notes: Admission is free. Complimentary food and beverages will be available. Space is limited, and advance registration is encouraged. The event will be held at The Jerry Forbes Centre, in the mezzanine. Access to the room will be on the SOUTH side of the building at the employee entrance door on the side of the building. Watch for signage.