ABC Head Start Society is a registered charity providing comprehensive family support and early learning programs.

As a registered charity, our programs are FREE-OF-COST to families who are eligible. Although it costs us thousands of dollars every year to serve each child, government funding and donations from generous individuals, corporations, and foundations allow us to offer these services for free to those who most need them.

ABC Head Start families are provided opportunities to be included in their children's learning. We provide supports to help families with parenting and family life.

ABC Head Start employs over 100 staff within interdisciplinary teams that include teaching staff, social workers, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists and behaviour specialists. Along with volunteers, community partners and supporters; ABC Head Start creates strong communities for the future.

Our Beliefs

Vision Statement

All children have equal access to a full and successful life.

Mission Statement

Raising families out of poverty and helping children harness their superpowers, conquer hardships, and live their best life.

Strategic Priorities

  • Reach Children Who Need Us.

  • Promote ABC In The Community.

  • Maintain Financial Sustainability.

  • Collaborate For Exceptional Programming.

  • Promote Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

Our History

ABC Head Start Society has been a vibrant part of Edmonton communities for over 35 years.

ABC Head Start Society began in response to public health nurses identifying a significant number of children whose social and academic development was delayed as a result of having limited financial and other resources. The project originated in an effort to both remedy gaps in the children's learning experiences and in the parents' parenting skills. ABC Head Start was initiated by Aleda Patterson in January 1985 and was called ABC, Accessing for Better Care.

In one years time, the program expanded to serve 30 families who attended class two to four times per week. The interdisciplinary team was also growing including the addition of a part time Teacher, Speech Language Pathologist, and Home Educators.  In 1987 a second site was opened in the northwest and the first Education assistants were hired. In 1991, ABC Head Start became a society and grew to a staff of 14 from various disciplines.  

Since that time ABC Head Start Society has grown from a single location serving 10 children and families to a comprehensive early learning, family support and community program working with over 800 children and their families each calendar year at different locations throughout the Capital Region.