The Apraxia Preschool Program (TAPP)
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. 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
Applications for TAPP 2025-26 will open soon!
Please check back on February 10th, 2025 to fill out an application for the Fall.
If you have questions about our TAPP program, please consult our FAQ. You may also reach us with inquiries at 780-902-6575 or via email at 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.
Address
11130 131 Street NW
Edmonton, AB T5M 1C1
Inquiries:
780-902-6575
Current Families:
780-221-2889
Cost
Free for eligible students
School Hours
Half-day preschool program
M-Th 9:15am - 12:00 pm
September - June
Eligibility
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.
Consideration will also be given to children with suspected apraxia, motor speech disorder, and/or severe phonological delays.
Children’s receptive language (their understanding of language) must be within normal limits/age-appropriate.
Apraxia-Centered
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. We aim to provide a safe, fun, and supportive environment where children and their families have the opportunity to build the skills they need to be successful in future academic and community environments.
Multidisciplinary 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.
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).