Explore the School

Programs & Services

CQS offers a variety of programs for Elementary, Junior and High School aged children. Key highlights specific to CQS programs include:  

• Specialized curriculums

• Modified Alberta curriculum

• Music therapy

• Life skills development

• Self-regulation skills (social, emotional, behavioral)

• Technology aids and support

• A low student-teacher ratio

At CQS, all students — regardless of their unique challenges — will:

• access education and therapy which will allow them to achieve their maximum potential

• be treated with dignity and respect

• be encouraged to find their “normal” in all aspects of life

• have a learning program designed specifically for their individual needs

Quest Stories

Learn more about CQS and the people that makeup our tight-knit community in our Quest Stories series. Get to know how CQS could be the right fit for your child through the lens of our staff, students and parents!

Sunshine Room

The Sunshine Room is a caring and positive environment where 6-9 year old students can work on social skill development and emotional regulation skills using the Zones of Regulation and the Spark program. The classroom incorporates modified academic concepts from the Alberta Program of Studies K-1, with a focus on math and literacy concepts taught through games, active play, and hands-on manipulatives. A play-based approach to learning, with thematic units, learning centers, and an introduction to structured small group learning and circle time is employed to support each child in achieving personal success.

Cedar Room

The Cedar Room is a positive and inclusive community of learners.  This high school classroom focuses on academic learning through the Alberta Education Knowledge and Employability Program of Studies for Grades 8-10.  This balanced classroom supports the students’ academic needs as well as their social and emotional needs.  Cedar Room students participate in group learning activities to work on social skills, such as: making positive choices and developing positive peer relationships.  Students participate in meaningful opportunities to learn kindness and cooperation within an inclusive peer environment.

Safari Room

The Safari Room is for 5-10 year old students to focus on elements of social and emotional learning such as turn-taking, making positive choices, and building strong relationships within the school community. Play-based learning is used to introduce numerous academic and social/emotional concepts, and engage all students in a classroom atmosphere. Such an approach enhances skills like turn-taking, cooperative play, exploration, and problem-solving. All academic concepts are taught with a theme-based curriculum that engages students. Life skills and different forms of communication (visual, technology, PECS) are embedded into the daily routine, allowing students to make requests and communicate what they need.

Horizon Room

The Horizon Room is a junior high classroom, which focuses on social skill development, modified academic skills, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, and communication skill development.  Horizon Room students work on modified academic concepts based on the Alberta program of studies from grades 1-3.  The primary focus is literacy and numeracy skills.  Student learning is supported through a combination of small group learning and whole class learning. Dedicated to meeting individual needs, our teaching approach employs differentiated strategies aligned with students' strengths and abilities, as well as their unique Individual Program Plans. 

Chinook Room

The Chinook Room a is safe and caring classroom environment for students with complex sensory and communication needs.  Students learn functional life skills, communication skills, and self-regulation skills, in a supportive classroom environment. In Chinook Room, our focus is to create an inclusive community of learners who experience school as a fun and engaging place to learn.  Our students experience success in school, through programming that is modified and adapted to their unique needs.  Chinook Room programming is based on basic skill development across the domains of social skills, self-regulation, executive functioning, gross motor skills, fine motor skills and communication skills.  To support communication, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), has been embraced and integrated it into the classroom.  Communication is supported with core language boards, touch chat, and picture communication symbols.   Our students have a wide range of skills, each with their own unique challenges and strengths.  We build on each student’s strengths to create a personalized approach to learning.  

Aspen

The Aspen Room is a caring and positive environment where 6-9 year old students can work on social skill development and emotional regulation skills using the Zones of Regulation and the Spark program. The classroom incorporates modified academic concepts from the Alberta Program of Studies K-1, with a focus on math and literacy concepts taught through games, active play, and hands-on manipulatives. A play-based approach to learning, with thematic units, learning centers, and an introduction to structured small group learning and circle time is employed to support each child in achieving personal success.

Poplar Room

The Poplar Room is a specialized high school program dedicated to guiding students with diverse learning needs towards a successful transition into adulthood. Beyond academics, our focus lies in cultivating practical life skills essential for community integration and independent living. Our students participate in daily tasks like cooking and budgeting, while also enhancing their social communication, emotional regulation skills, and safety awareness. The Poplar Room is based on community-integrated learning. Safety is paramount, as we equip students with decision-making abilities to navigate various environments responsibly. Ultimately, the Poplar Room program serves as a launchpad, propelling students into adulthood with the skills and confidence needed to embrace life's opportunities independently. .

Yellow Room

The Yellow Room is comprised of students 8-12 years old who focus on skills in the realms of positive play, peer relationships, social communication, self-regulation, basic daily living, and functional academics. Activities for the promotion of self-regulation include daily community walks, meditation time, and frequent body breaks. Students have access to a variety of fidget toys, wiggle cushions, and seating options to help their bodies focus and engage in classroom activities. Academics are modified from the Alberta Education Program of Studies, at the grade 2/3 level and include sight word recognition, simple mathematics, and basic reading comprehension skills. Students use a wide range of visuals, classroom discussions, games, and worksheets to support learning in as independent a manner as possible. Daily chores and hygiene responsibilities are also a part of learning.

Rainbow Room

The Rainbow Room is for students 9-17 years old. It is a classroom which focuses on supporting student independence, self-regulation, communication, and life skills. The classroom is always lively and full of energy, with play being an important aspect to the students building peer relationships, learning about turn-taking, sharing, and transitioning.

Oak Room

The Oak Room is a high school classroom that is designed to nurture the development of independence and essential life skills among our students. The programming centers on empowering students through a curriculum that emphasizes daily living skills and functional academics. The Oak Room is designed to equip them with the confidence to manage routines, complete tasks, and even create simple meals. One of our cornerstones is community engagement. Students experience community walks and field trips, where they not only learn about safety in real-world settings but also can practice their life skills such as shopping or taking public transit. In the Oak Room, our aim is to ensure that students emerge with the skills and independence required to thrive in their everyday lives. 

Peach Room

The Peach Room follows a therapy intensive, play-based preschool program which includes support from the occupational therapist, and speech therapist through one-on-one intervention, small groups, and classroom programming. The development of a formal communication system is an integral part of classroom programming, with the incorporation of augmentative speech devices, aided language displays, visual supports, repetitive songs, and more. There is also a focus on self-help skills like eating, dressing, toileting, personal hygiene, and general safety. Preschool academics like social/emotional regulation, fine and gross motor skills, and communication skills are covered during the daily routine with emphasis on social skills like sharing, problem solving, eye contact, and respecting personal space.