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.
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 Howard Antoniuk.
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 Howard Antoniuk or Betty Sewell.
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.
Jolene Nellis - Beaverlodge Elem, La Glace, Harry Balfour, Hythe Elementary, Valhalla
Lana Clark - Beaverlodge High School, Helen E Taylor, Elmworth, Hythe Reg. Jr. High
Vaughn Dyck - Peace Wapiti Academy, RW Zahara., Sexsmith Secondary, Teepee Creek, Bezanson
To contact a liaison worker, please call the County of Grande Prairie Office at 780 532-9722
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].
Universal Outreach 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.
Early Literacy Initiative - Kindergarten to grade 3
468 students entered this reading program in the fall.
439 were in the program at the end of the school year. 29 students were served by another program or they left the division.
Of the 429 students who were served, 210 students reached grade level reading expectations; 212 students improved their skills but were not quite at grade level and 17 students did not show significant gains at all.
There were 9.5 teacher assistants hired to deliver the Early Literacy Program across the division. (18 elementary schools)
The response from parents and teachers has been overwhelmingly positive. Having support available to develop strong reading skills at Kindergarten, Grade 1 and Grade 2 will have a significant impact on the academic progress of the students involved. Because of the positive results of this program parents and teachers are hoping that Alberta Learning will broaden the program to include Grade 3 writing skills.
Student Health Initiative
This is a joint service plan that was developed by members of the Region 13 Student Health Partnership. In this partnership there are 6 school boards, 2 private schools, Child and Family Services Authority, and the Peace Country Health Authority. The program focuses on students whose health needs affect their ability to participate and learn in school.
This program provides services to students with mild/moderate special needs in the following areas:
Rehabilitation - physiotherapy and occupational therapy
Mental health - Counselling (emotional and/or behavioural)