The Corbett Hall Early Education Program (CHEEP) is a specialized program of choice, operated out of the University of Alberta. The pre-kindergarten program is designed to support the development of young children with special needs in a language rich environment. It does not offer Kindergarten programming. CHEEP utilizes play-based learning, total communication and embedding language learning in natural, social contexts. A collaborative team of developmental specialists design the program including a full-time certified teacher, a full-time SLP and a full-time therapy assistant in the classroom. An occupational therapist and a physical therapist consult to the program weekly. CHEEP focuses on excellence in expanding communication, early literacy exposure, building self-help and motor skills and advancing social-emotional development. Master’s students in Speech-Language Pathology are involved in clinical placements within CHEEP throughout the year.
