Specialized System Programs
At Elk Island Public Schools, we offer a variety of programming options to meet the needs of our learners.
Specialized System Programs offer flexible and responsive programming in environments that are designed for students to experience success, feel confident and develop a sense of belonging in an inclusive community.
Detailed program descriptions, along with eligibility criteria, can be found by clicking on the Information Sheet links below each program name.
Communication Skills Program
The Communication Skills Program is a specialized system program designed to meet the needs of students in grades 1-3 with diagnosed communication delays or disorders. The program offers a smaller class size with whole-class, small-group and one-on-one instruction. A focus on literacy, numeracy, language and communication is integrated throughout the day. Flexible and responsive instruction is guided by an Instructional Support Plan (ISP). The classroom is supported by a teacher, educational assistant and speech-language pathologist. Students may participate in regular classes for some programming. The Communication Skills Program receives additional support through Elk Island Public Schools’ Specialized Supports multi-disciplinary team.
Location
- Woodbridge Farms Elementary (grades 1-3)
Connections Program
The Connections Program is a specialized system program designed for students in grades 1-6 who’ve been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD can result in difficulties in communication, social relationships, behaviour, learning or any combination thereof. The program’s designed for students who require flexible instruction that’s responsive to fluctuations in levels of engagement or regulation throughout the school day in a classroom environment that takes into consideration individual sensory needs.
Locations
- Pine Street Elementary (grades 1-6)
- Woodbridge Farms Elementary (grades 1-6)
- Fort Saskatchewan Christian School (grades 1-6)
- Win Ferguson Elementary (grades 1-6)
Focus Program
The Focus Program is a specialized system program designed to support the needs of students in grades 7-12 identified with neuropsychiatric disorders or a mental health diagnosis that impacts the student’s ability to cope and learn in a traditional classroom or school environment. Students are supported both academically and socially through a safe and structured classroom environment with predictable and clearly articulated procedures and expectations. Core subject areas and optional courses are available through a variety of instructional settings including small-group instruction or regular programming. The program has a strong focus on goal setting, problem-solving and coping skills, support networks and social skill development.
Locations
- Clover Bar Junior High (grades 7-9)
- F.R. Haythorne Junior High (grades 7-9)
- Bev Facey Community High (grades 10-12)
GOALS Program
The Generating Occupational, Academic and Life Skills (GOALS) Program is a specialized system program designed to meet the needs of students identified with mild cognitive (intellectual) disabilities. The focus of the program is to improve academic and independent living skills within a positive and supportive learning environment.
Locations
- Brentwood Elementary (grades 1-6)
- F.R. Haythorne Junior High (grades 7-9)
- Fort Saskatchewan High (grades 10-12)
- Bev Facey Community High (grades 10-12)
Impact Program
The Impact Program is a specialized system program designed to meet the needs of students in grades 4-10 with diagnosed learning disabilities or specific learning disorders. In elementary and junior high, the program offers a smaller class setting with a focus on improving academic skills through specific skill instruction, accommodations, compensatory strategies and self-advocacy skills. Students follow a typical classroom routine, may be integrated in regular classes for some programming and are engaged as a part of the larger school community. In senior high, core subjects and optional courses are available through a variety of instructional settings, small-group instruction and regular programming, allowing students to experience success.
Locations
- Woodbridge Farms Elementary (grades 4-6)
- Sherwood Heights Junior High (grades 7-9)
- Salisbury Composite High (grade 10)
LINKS Program
The Learning - Individual Needs, Knowledge and Skills (LINKS) Program is a specialized system program designed to meet the needs of students with mild to severe/profound cognitive (intellectual) disabilities, who may also have physical, sensory, medical or behavioural difficulties. The focus of the program is to improve academic, communication, self-care, social, vocational and independent-living skills within a safe, structured and supported learning environment.
Locations
- A.L. Horton Elementary (grades 1-6)
- Fort Saskatchewan Elementary (grades 1-6)
- Rudolph Hennig Junior High (grades 7-9)
- Lamont High (grades 7-12)
- Vegreville Composite High (grades 7-12)
PLACE Program
The Practical Learning and Community Education (PLACE) Program is a specialized system program designed to meet the needs of students identified with moderate cognitive (intellectual) disabilities and significant delays in most areas of development including physical, medical, sensory or behavioural challenges. The focus of the program is to improve academic, communication, self-care, social, vocational and independent–living skills within a safe and structured learning environment, as well as within the community.
Locations
- Westboro Elementary (grades 1-6)
- Clover Bar Junior High (grades 7-9)
- Bev Facey Community High (grades 10-12)
SEAS Program
The Social, Emotional, Academic Success (SEAS) Program is a specialized system program designed to meet the needs of students with severe emotional or behavioural disorders and related learning difficulties that severely interfere with both the learning and safety of the student and others. The SEAS Program provides high levels of structure and intensive supports along with close and constant adult supervision to help student gain the necessary skills to be successful in an educational setting.
Locations
- Mills Haven Elementary (grades 4-6)
- F.R. Haythorne Junior High (grades 7-9)
STEPS Program
The Steps to Enhance Personal Success (STEPS) Program is a specialized system program designed to meet the needs of students with severe to profound developmental disabilities. These students may have physical, sensory or behavioural challenges, or medical conditions requiring specialized accommodations. The focus of the program is to build functional communication skills that enhance quality of life within a safe and structured learning environment, with regular routines and close supervision.
Locations
- Westboro Elementary (grades 1-6)
- Fort Saskatchewan High (grades 10-12)
- Salisbury Composite High (grades 7-12)
CASA Classrooms
EIPS is also proud to offer two CASA Classroom sites in the Division.
Questions about Specialized System Programs?
Current EIPS families:
- Contact your school team
New EIPS families:
- Contact EIPS' Supports for Students team at 780-417-8219