The Preschool Program is developed in accordance with the MELS guidelines and is focused on providing young children with experiences that allow them to increase their understanding of the world, to build their knowledge and to become acquainted with the various subject areas of elementary school. It enables 4-6 year olds with intellectual and developmental disabilities to develop psychomotor, emotional, social, language, cognitive and methodological competencies related to self-knowledge, life in society and communication. The program recognizes the varied levels of autonomy of each child, their world of play and life experiences, linking learning to developing skills

Preschool

The program is a modified elementary education program.  It recognizes the need to develop intellectual, methodological, personal and social, and communication-related competencies in all students. These competencies are called cross-curricular because they are used in various subject areas. Subjects are grouped under five areas: languages; mathematics, science and technology; social sciences; arts education; and personal development. Students are grouped for their academic subjects based on their level.  All subject areas are modified to meet the needs of each individual student.  They move through the academic subject areas at their own learning pace.  The program encourages students to explore and understand the world around them, use their resources, and make connections between their learning and real life.

Modified Primary School Program

The CASP (Competency-based Approach to Social Partici-pation) program is for students between the ages of 6-15. It seeks to educate and socialize students. It provides them with qualifications based on their needs and abilities, so that they are able to succeed and reach their full potential. The program focuses on developing five competencies; Communication, Using Information Available in the Environment, Interacting with People within the Community, Acting Methodically, and Acting in a Safe Manner. Subjects taught to strengthen these competencies include English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Physical Education and Health, Arts Education, French as a Second Language, and Life and Society.

CASP JR.&SR.

The Modifed Secondary Cycle 1 Program provides students with a high school experience. The program is modified to accommodate for the students’ varied academic levels, rate of learning and required support. Students participate in a fully individualized academic day in accordance with the goals set out in their Individualized Education Plan. Our curriculum relies on “high interest / low vocabulary” texts, as well as teacher designed programs. Social skills, family life education, life skills and artistic creativity are also emphasized. Although our students are following a “modified” secondary 1 program, they do not receive credits towards a high school leaving certificate. Our goal is for our students to work towards their academic potential, develop autonomy, self-advocacy and employment skills.

Modified Secondary Cycle 1 Program

The educational approach proposed in the CHALLENGES program is designed to favour the social integration of our students. The curriculum has two main sections: basic subjects and social integration. Subjects are geared for increasing social interactions and communication, language skills and pre-work training. These include basic academic skills, cooking, time management, physical education, science, leisure skills, and creative arts. The opportunity to participate in vocational type activities such as simple clerical duties, industrial packaging and a cafeteria cooking program is also offered. Another large component of his program is Community Awareness. Our outings encourage social interaction, physical exercise, and hands on learning. Overall, a well-rounded curriculum is offered, all while fostering peer interactions and positive social skills.

CHALLENGES

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The Work-Oriented Training Path is designed for students who are at least 15 years old and who are still working at the pre high school level of English language arts and Mathematics. . The Work Oriented Training Path (W.O.T.P.) prepares the student for a gradual transition from school to work by offering opportunities to develop specific academic skills, solid life skills, and concrete workskills and work habits. Upon successful completion of the program an official M.E.L.S. certificate in “Pre-Work Training” is awarded to the student.

WOTP

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