What's in OUR name?
A New Name. The Same Heart.
We’re excited to share that GRIT (Getting Ready for Inclusion Today) is now Kids Included.
This new name more clearly reflects who we are and what we stand for: an inclusive early childhood experience where every child is valued, supported, and included.
While our name has changed, our mission remains the same. As always, we are deeply committed to supporting young children with disabilities or complex medical needs and their families through expert, family-centred services. We continue to collaborate with early childhood educators and child care programs to build inclusive environments that benefit all children.
Why We Changed Our Name
The name Kids Included clearly captures the heart of everything we do: inclusion for all. It’s simple, direct, and powerful, just like the belief that drives us forward.
For more than 40 years, we’ve been known as GRIT (Getting Ready for Inclusion Today), an acronym that spoke to the strength and determination of the families we serve. That spirit still fuels our work, and always will. However, as our reach has expanded and our programs have evolved, we recognized that it was time for a name that more clearly captures our purpose to families, partners, and communities across Alberta and Canada.
WHO WE ARE
Founded in Edmonton in 1982 by a mother advocating for her daughter’s right to an inclusive education, we’ve grown from a grassroots effort to a trusted leader in inclusive early childhood care. Today, we:
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Support over 100 Edmonton-area families each year
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Help educators build confidence and capacity for inclusion
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Collaborate with leaders across 11 provinces and territories
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Deliver province-wide programs for early childhood professionals in partnership with the Government of Alberta
From our home base in Edmonton, we’re helping to shape a more inclusive future across Canada.
WHY OUR WORK MATTERS
Inclusion is not just about access—it’s about belonging. Our work changes lives at every level:
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Families gain confidence, skills, and hope
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Children form friendships and thrive in inclusive environments
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Educators feel empowered and supported
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Communities become more equitable and compassionate
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Society benefits from improved mental health, workforce participation, and economic resilience
Complex needs can affect any family. When it happens, we’re here.
THANK YOU FOR GROWING WITH US
To our families, partners, and supporters, thank you for being part of our journey. Kids Included is more than a new name; it’s a renewed promise to keep building a world where all kids belong.
We invite you to explore our programs, meet our team, and learn how you can support inclusive early learning for every child.