History

ABC Head Start Society has been a vital part of Edmonton communities for nearly 40 years. Founded in 1985 by Aleda Patterson as "Accessing for Better Care (ABC)," the program began in response to public health nurses identifying children whose social and academic development was delayed due to limited resources. Initially serving 10 families, the program aimed to bridge learning gaps for children and enhance parenting skills.

Within a year, the program expanded to serve 30 families, with an interdisciplinary team including a teacher, speech-language pathologist, and home educators. In 1987, a second site opened, and the team continued to grow. In 1991, ABC Head Start became a society with a staff of 14.

Today, ABC Head Start Society has grown to serve over 400 children and their families each year across multiple locations in the Capital Region.

About Us

Our mission is to ensure that every child, regardless of background or ability, has an equal opportunity to thrive. We serve families facing financial, social, and developmental challenges, offering a holistic approach that integrates early learning with health, nutrition, and family support services.

We work closely with families, educators, and community partners to create a nurturing and supportive environment for children. Our diverse and dedicated team is passionate about fostering growth and resilience, empowering families, and building stronger communities.

At ABC Head Start Society, we believe that every child deserves the best possible start in life, and we are committed to making that vision a reality.

ABC Head Start Society provides comprehensive early childhood education and family support programs for children aged 3–5 who may need additional developmental support. Services focus on preparing children for kindergarten by supporting their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development through play-based learning and individualized programming.

We deliver integrated services that combine:

• Early learning and classroom-based education.

• Developmental support (e.g., speech and language, individualized plans).

• Health and nutrition support.

• Family engagement and parent support programs.

MISSION

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

VISION

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

STRATEGIC PRIORTIES

• Reach children who need us

• Collaborate for exceptional programming

• Promote ABC in the community

• Maintain financial sustainability

• Promote equity, diversity and inclusion

The Opportunity

As a Speech Language Pathologist, you will play a vital role in fostering communication success for students through a consultative approach. Rather than providing direct one-on-one therapy, you will work in a consultative model, collaborating closely with educators, families, and multidisciplinary teams to design supportive strategies and communication-rich environments that help all children thrive.

You will also provide clinical supervision to Speech Language Assistants (SLA’s) who play a key role in implementing the strategies and programming you help design. Through your guidance, SLA’s will carry out targeted activities, model techniques, and support classroom teams, ensuring interventions are delivered consistently and with integrity.

You will conduct comprehensive assessments for new students applying to the program to determine eligibility and individualized support plans. This position includes maintaining accurate documentation, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and contributing to a team-based problem-solving structure to promote student success.

Primary Roles and Responsibilities

• Assessment and progress monitoring: Collaborate with classroom teams, family/caregivers, and interdisciplinary team members to assess and monitor students’ speech and language needs.

• Individualized instructions: Review and revise measures and goals to ensure instruction aligns with each child's development profile.

• Treatment planning and intervention: Develop differential strategies and interventions that support communication, speech, and language development within classroom and home environments.

• Case management: Document and communicate child strengths, achievements, needs, and noteworthy observations with interdisciplinary team members and families/caregivers.

• Collaborative goal development: Work with educators, team members, and families/caregivers to establish and implement consistent communication, social emotional, and behavioral goals.

• Family engagement: Plan and deliver family engagement workshops to build caregiver confidence and support communication development at home.

• Supervision of Speech Language Assistants (SLA’s): Provide clinical supervision to SLA’s, ensuring strategies and programming are implemented with fidelity.

Why You Will Love Working Here

We are not just another workplace. We’re a supportive, mission-driven community that cares deeply about our staff and the families we serve. Here is what you can look forward to:

• Work-Life Balance: Non-profit work means fewer late nights and more time to focus on what really matters—your well-being and the kids in your care.

• A culture of growth: Whether it's professional development workshops, mentorship, or opportunities for career advancement, we're here to help you grow as a professional and as a person.

• Supportive environment: We're all about lifting each other up. You will work with a team that values collaboration, compassion, and care.

• Making a difference: The impact you’ll have on the lives of vulnerable children and their families will be more rewarding than you can imagine.

About the Ideal Candidate

You thrive in a collaborative, dynamic environment, bringing integrity, empathy, and a passion for making a difference. With effective communication skills, you build trust and foster teamwork while delivering results and maintaining service excellence. Your ability to plan, organize, and adapt ensures efficiency and achievement of goals. Ideally, you have a background in supporting children facing unique challenges or from diverse cultural backgrounds, as this will enhance your ability to connect and contribute effectively.

Qualifications

Required:

• Master’s Degree in speech language pathology.

• Registered member of Alberta College of Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists or eligibility.

• Experience working with children with complex needs (ASD, FAS, Global Delays, Hearing Loss).

• Intercultural competence and experience working with diverse populations and English language learners.

• Strong communication and organizational skills.

• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices (or willingness to learn).

• Willing participant in annual training and Safe Management practices (employer provided training).

• Valid Class 5 driver’s license.

Desirable:

• Experience working with preschool-aged children.

• Experience with implementing and coaching on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).

• Experience in inclusive, multicultural environments.

• Experience working with vulnerable families including low-income.

Compliance

Final candidates for this position will be required to complete and obtain clear Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector checks within 60 days of employment.

Equal Opportunity

ABC Head Start Society is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including those from Indigenous communities, racialized groups, newcomers to Canada, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and other equity deserving groups.

Compensation

Wage range: $42.57–$55.84/hour. Placement within the range is based on experience, education, and qualifications.

Benefits

• Group health, dental, life, AD&D and critical illness.

• Employee and Family Assistance Program.

• Professional support funding for ongoing professional development and assistance to offset the cost of your ACSPLA membership.

• Four (4) weeks vacation.

• Paid sick and personal time.

To Apply: Specify your interest in the permanent position, the temporary contract, or both. Submit a cover letter and resume in confidence to:

Misty Wilson, CPHR, SHRM-SCP

Senior Recruitment Consultant

Email:

Website: www.humanedgeglobal.com

Thank you for your interest in joining our team. While we appreciate all applications, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.