The Woodridge PREP Program
The PREP Program is a registered charitable, not-for-profit education and resource centre serving individuals with Down Syndrome, their families, and their educators. It is centrally located near the North Hill Shopping Centre in Calgary at 2004-12th Ave., NW.
PREP was established in 1988 by speech pathologist and Executive Director Barbara Tien. Barb saw both the need for specialized speech language services for children with Down Syndrome as well as the possibilities that speech language therapy would create for those individuals. Over the years, PREP's mandate has expanded from that original focus on speech therapy to encompass a spectrum of support services, including: occupational therapy, physiotherapy, preschool classes, school support services,continuing education, and reading programs, all driven by a vision of successful inclusion of individuals with Down Syndrome in their homes, schools and community lives.
Why We Do What We Do!
To see slideshow full-size, click image.
Our Vision
For persons with Down syndrome, society presents a world of ever expanding opportunity. In school, at work, and socially, this fact is evidenced by their full inclusion into a community of family, friends and colleagues.
PREP is renowned throughout North America as a centre of excellence where individuals with Down syndrome are being prepared to participate fully as welcome and vital members of an aware and educated community.
Our Objectives
- To offer parents the information, programs and professional services needed to assist them in helping their child with Down syndrome reach his or her potential.
- To promote knowledge and understanding as the keys to acceptance of the disability and all that it encompasses.
- To provide early intervention programs and parent education that enables children to be active learners with increased independence and self esteem.
- To become a vital link in every family's support network by offering our services to children of all ages and by helping them, regardless of ability level, to be visible, active and appreciated participants in home and community life.
What Makes Us Different?
What makes PREP different is that it specializes in providing services solely to individuals with Down Syndrome. Because its students are all similar in their needs, it is easier for PREP to concentrate on the core services required by the students without having to deal with broad-ranging behavioural and other issues. As a result, PREP has achieved great success over the years, with its first batch of students now just entering or midway through college or university.
Also, unlike most other service providers, PREP has a vision for the future of your child with Down Syndrome and its services and programs don't end once the child reaches school age. Rather, it continues right to post-secondary school and, in the near future, may continue into adulthood.
As PREP approaches its 20th birthday, it is a strong, vibrant organization. It is still led by its visionary founder, Barbara Tien, now serving as Executive Director as well as remaining in touch with the classroom by providing SLP services to the ECS class. It is staffed by a core nucleus of talented, dedicated professionals and is attracting staff from across the country. We look confidently to a future where individuals with Down Syndrome will be fully included in society and lead meaningful, fulfilling lives with as much independence as possible.
Hosting: 