Principles of PALS Programming PALS Program Locations Our PALS programs are founded on three principles. • A.L. Horton School - • Ardrossan Elementary - Ardrossan • Play-Based Learning • Lamont Elementary - Lamont • Literacy and Language-Rich Environments • School - Mundare • Emergent Curriculum • École Parc Élémentaire - • Pine Street - Sherwood Park Play-Based Learning is powerful and the most critical element of programming in early learning Who is eligible for PALS programming? classrooms. PALS programs include many Eligibility for early learning programs is guided by different types of play: sensory, explorative, the criteria outlined by Education. Typically, physical, creative, symbolic, projective, dramatic children enrolled in have been assessed with play, and games with rules. PALS having mild, moderate, or severe disabilities/delays in Literacy and Language-Rich Classrooms one or more developmental areas. A child’s individual enrich children’s vocabulary, help build concepts, functioning levels are also considered in determining his/ and expand children’s language and emergent her programming needs. literacy skills during book reading and every day conversations and activities. Emergent Curriculum balances skill building If you have questions about your with facilitating a child’s journey into new ideas child’s health or development, please and concepts. PALS classrooms have a strong contact your health care provider or child-centred base, with an emphasis on visit your local health unit. constructing meaning and building relationships.

The child is an active participant in learning. 780-464-EIPS (3477) www.eips.ca 683 Wye Road, Sherwood Park, Alberta T8B 1N2 Highlights of PALS Programs Three components

• Play-based, active learning of PALS programming • Quality, early childhood programming • Instructional Support Plan (ISP) that supports healthy child development • Centre-based Programming Hours • Certificated teachers and educational assistants • Family-Oriented Programming • Specialized support services, including Speech- Language Pathologists and Occupational/ An Instructional Support Plan (ISP) is a specific Play And Learn at School (PALS) Physical Therapists plan by the PALS Learning Team that provides Research confirms that the early years of a • Enhanced transition planning to Kindergarten a description of the individual child’s learning child’s life are the most critical period in • Low child-to-adult ratios and goals, and related instructional strategies development. Early childhood development • Diverse learners and support that will be implemented during sets the course for a child’s future, and shapes • Family involvement opportunities a school year. the brain in ways that impact lifelong learning, • Inclusion with school activities Centre-based Programming Hours are behaviour, health and quality of life. Getting a • Ability to meet individual needs instructional hours that are led by a certificated positive start is key to a successful future. • Assistive technology for learning teacher. The PALS programs offer 400 hours Early Years Programming in Elk Island of centre-based programming. Depending Public Schools supports children in reaching Members of the PALS Team on the location, centre hours may be four half emotional, social, intellectual, and physical days per week (Monday – Thursday) or two • Parents/Caregivers developmental milestones. full days per week. • Classroom Teachers EIPS offers early intervention programming Family Oriented Programming (FOP), the • Educational Assistants through our Play And Learn at School (PALS) third element of our PALS program, recognizes • Consultative Services: programs. PALS programming supports that learning takes place in multiple settings. • Speech-Language Pathologists children from 3 to 5 years of age who have FOPs are designed to help parents learn about • Occupational Therapists been assessed with severe disabilities/delays, their child’s development, and learn and practice • Physical Therapists and children from 3 ½ to 5 years of age who helpful strategies to support their child to learn, • Educational Consultants have been assessed with mild and/or work, play, and behave in healthy positive ways • Family School Liaison Workers moderate disabilities/delays. Typically, our across settings. classes have between eight and ten children. PALS programs provide a natural preschool environment with the additional supports needed to ensure learning success.