ABC Head Start Society Calls for Public Awareness on Independent School Funding and Impact on Charities

ABC Head Start Society wants to ensure Albertans are informed about the broad definition of “independent schools” in Alberta and the critical role that charitable organizations, like ABC Head Start, play within this category. A public petition currently circulating calls for an end to taxpayer funding for independent schools. 

There is a common misunderstanding that “independent school” means only private registered schools. The designation also covers organizations that support children with disabilities, developmental delays, and behavioural complexities—such as specialized education schools and nonprofit charities like ABC Head Start Society, which is both a registered charity and an Early Childhood Services (ECS) provider. 

This misconception has serious consequences for families who depend on charitable providers. If funding for independent schools were eliminated or reduced, it would threaten the future of charities like ABC. The children and families ABC serves would lose access to vital early learning and family support programs that build a foundation for lifelong success. 

For nearly 40 years, ABC Head Start Society has been a registered children’s charity, providing preschool programming, speech and language support, behavioral therapy, and family services to ensure every child regardless of background or ability has an equal opportunity to thrive. Each year, ABC supports nearly 400 children, many of whom are neurodivergent or face complex developmental challenges. 

Research consistently shows that early intervention is one of the most effective ways to change long-term outcomes for children. By addressing developmental needs and behavioural complexities before children enter kindergarten, Head Start programs reduce barriers to learning, strengthen family capacity, and lower long-term costs to education and health care. Early years programming not only supports children’s cognitive and social development, but also improves family wellbeing, reduces stress, and builds stronger school–community connections.