Elves Special Needs Society is a private, non-profit organization that offers school, respite, and day programs for individuals of all ages with special needs such as Autism, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), Down Syndrome, and Cerebral Palsy. Elves Special Needs Society was first established 52 years ago in 1973 in Edmonton, Alberta. The organization started with 3 staff and 7 children located in a room at Pineview Residence and later moved into a wing of the old Misericordia Hospital serving 30 children and their families. In late 1973, the organization was granted funding from the estate of Mr. Milton E. Elves to build a centre for children with disabilities. The financial donation was further supported by a donation of land from the Government of Alberta. A variety of other donors and donations helped furnish the building and acquire specialty equipment. The Elves’ facility opened in July 1976. Today Elves has grown to 200+ staff serving over 400 learners across two facilities in Edmonton, Alberta. At Elves, possibility can become ability. The organization establishes a partnership between the learner, their family, and experts in the field of learning and development. Elves’ professional programs are individualized and aim to support every learner in achieving success in life. Elves serves all ability levels and specializes in supporting learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) from ages 2.5 into late adulthood. Programs are designed to meet learner needs, promote their growth, and ensure every day is a great day

We offer
the following services in Edmonton and area: Early Childhood Services – For learners ages 2.8 to 6 years of age with diagnosis such as speech delay, Down Syndrome, fine/gross motor delay,



Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), and Cerebral Palsy. This program is operational from September to June. Grades 1-12 – For learners ages 6-20 with severe multiple disabilities who are medically fragile. This program is operational from September to June. FASD Respite Program – For learners aged 3-8 with a diagnosis or query of FASD, while also providing parents with time and resources to meet their family’s needs. This program is operational only on Saturdays. Adult Day Program – Offered to learners aged 20 and up with severe, multiple disabilities who require meaningful, engaging opportunities for growth. This program is operational year-round. Mission Elves Special Needs Society provides individuals with severe disabilities and complex needs with a unique and comprehensive individualized educational or day program to promote maximum development and to enhance the quality of life of individuals and their families within a supportive and caring environment. Vision The vision of Elves Special Needs Society is to offer developmentally appropriate activities that are foundational to the physical, cognitive, and social well-being of every individual. Values Elves’ Policies and Practices reflect the mandate of providing the safest yet enabling environment, and educational programs and services.



Early Education and School Programs are focused upon continuing to provide wrap‑around services to Elves’ children/students.
- Fostering supportive, inclusive opportunities based on the abilities and needs of learners of all ages.
- Facilitating learning across the lifespan.
- Promoting family-centered services, and family well-being. Supporting service excellence and skilled learning. Equitability, access to resources and accountability. Experience of learners, families, staff, and community partners. The Opportunity The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team and will serve as the senior executive responsible for the day-to-day operational leadership of the organization with primary focus being administration, execution of the strategic plan and school operations. Reporting to and working closely with the Executive Director (ED), the COO will collaborate with the senior leadership team toward operational excellence, organizational effectiveness, and the successful delivery of programs and services that advance the organization’s Mission, Vision and Values. The COO contributes on a strategic level and provides operational oversight across multiple functions, including program operations, facilities, technology, risk management, quality assurance, administrative services, and stakeholder and government relations. The COO will also work closely with Human Resources and Finance and may provide updates and reporting to the Board of Directors as requested by the ED. The role focuses on translating ELVES’ Special Needs Society’s strategic priorities into measurable operational outcomes while fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, and service excellence. Specifically, the Strategic Priorities are:
- Building lo

📌 Chief Operations Officer (Edmonton)
🏢 Elves Special Needs Society
📍 Edmonton