Early Childhood Services
ECS or Kindergarten programs are offered in most elementary schools in the district. Programs run 475 hours according to provincial guidelines. Program Unit Funding is available for students who are severely handicapped. Funding is available for mild/moderate students provided they are enrolled by September 30th. <view brouchure>
Special Education Programs
Each school has an allocation for special education based on the student populations. Programs are developed for students in consultation with the special education/resource teacher. A range of students are served in each school; from those with mild to moderate learning problems to those who have severe disabilities. Referral systems for in-school assessment and consultation are school based.
District Resources
Doris Gordon - Program Unit Funding (ECS) and Special Education (Grades K - 12)
Betty Sewall - District Special Education Coordinator for Harry Balfour, Savanna, Bonanza, Rycroft, SRRA and Woking.
Heather Putio - District Special Education Coordinator for Beaverlodge, Bezanson, Elmworth, Helen E. Taylor, La Glace, PWA, Penson, Ridgevalley, RW Zahara, SSS, Teepee Creek, Valhalla, and Wembley Elementary.
Contracted Resources
Students with sensory impairments (deaf, blind) and severe communication problems are served by the CASE team, out of Grande Prairie. The team serves all of northern Alberta. Students must meet CASE criteria and are offered assessment and consultation services. For information about referrals please contact our office.
Resources outside the district (ie. physiotherapy, occupational, and speech therapy) are contracted on an individual basis for severe disability children. Assessment and consultation for teachers and teaching assistants are provided. Please contact your school.
Community School Liaison Workers
The CSLW's provide information and support to families whose children are experiencing difficulties at home or at school; to cooperate with school staff and community agencies to prevent the breakdown of family-child-school relationships. Referral forms and further information are available at the school and may come from the school, family or individual.
To contact a liaison worker, please call the County of Grande Prairie Office at 780 532-9727.
School Community Teams
Interagency teams (i.e. R.C.M.P., Health Unit Nurse, Social Services, School rep.) are available to provide support to families whose children are experiencing difficulties at home or at school. Team members can be contacted directly or through the school principal or counsellor. Access to school community teams for consultation and referral is available to all schools. --For more information and to view list of school teams and contacts [click here].
Alternative Education Program
The AEP is available to high school students who are out working and require an alternate program to continue towards the completion of a High School Diploma. Courses are available online through Peace Academy of Virtual Education (PAVE) or by correspondence from the Alberta Distance Learning Centre. Provision can be made to supervise Work Experience sites or to support for students preparing for their GED exams. Students must be under 20 years of age as of Sept. 1 of the year in which they wish to enroll. The program operates in each of the 7 high schools. For information: contact Maxine Bozarth at the Central Office - 532-8133.
Online School Program
The Peace Academy of Virtual Education is a customized, innovative approach to the traditional way of delivering distance education. PAVE offers full time programs for grades 4 to 12, single high school courses and adult upgrading. Assignments are submitted and returned via e-mail and the Peace Wapiti courier. Interaction between students, parents and Peace Wapiti teachers will take place over the Internet through e-mail and conferences. Endeavours will be made for students to meet with teachers once a month. For more information contact the Spirit River Office at 864-3741.
Student Health Initiative
Speech, OT, PT and Mental Health services are available on a limited basis at each school. Please contact your school for the referral process.