Special Education

Community Access Program (CAP)

​Junior High
This program serves students who are between 12 and 16 years old. Monthly community outings allow students to access real-life learning experiences at places like the YMCA, Japanese Cultural Centre, and Fort Whyte Alive. Students enrolled in CAP have academic, emotional and/or physical challenges that require ongoing supervision and support.

CAP programming is centered around an integrated schedule that accommodates a wide variety of student needs. Students can participate in specialized classes like music, choir, art, dance, and drama. Experiences like cooking, graphics and sewing are offered to students in the practical arts rotation. Classroom activities involve student-initiated projects, theme-based learning and the development of curriculum-based outcomes in core curriculum areas. There is a strong emphasis on creative and innovative learning. Students are invited to participate in volunteer work experience opportunities such as WSD Bulk Mailing and the school-based recycling program. In addition, students have the opportunity to develop leadership experience while working in the cafeteria and school infant lab. School-wide mentoring programs combined with IEP planning help each child realize their potential. Students are empowered through the acquisition of skills that promote independent living and learning experiences.

Senior High
This program serves students Special Education students from 16 to 21 years old who have moderate to severe challenges. The philosophy of the Senior High CAP program is to provide an enabling learning environment with the integration of Special Education students into regular programs where possible. The aim is to help students develop skills and knowledge so they may live meaningful, self-fulfilling lives with optimum independence.

In addition to IEPs, older students may have an Individual Transition Plans (ITPs). ITPs are provided in a student’s twenty-first year as they prepare to transition from school to Adult Day Programs or the general work force.

The emphasis is on developing skills in academics (functional areas such as money and time concepts), social and emotional development, community orientation, independent living skills, and work experience. Students may also receive programming from specialists in art, music, physical education, graphics, foods, and clothing. Programming may through CAP classes or integration into regular classes.

CAP/Adaptive Skills Program (ASP)
The CAP/ASP offers appropriate education opportunities to students who are multiply-challenged. Students range in age from 12-21 years and are physically and/or intellectually challenged requiring Individual Educational Programming. School facilities are adapted to enable students to maximize their learning experiences. 

Areas of programming include cognitive and sensory development, social and/or emotional development, various forms of communication, personal care (grooming and toileting), food preparation, housekeeping, physical skill development (fine and gross motor and/or physiotherapy) as well as school-based and community experiences. As part of the individual transition plan (ITP), students spend more time in community-based placements.

Special Education Centres (SEC)

Junior High, Grades 7-9

The Junior High SEC is intended for students ages 12-15 and provides programming for students who require individualized programs in mathematics and language arts. The academic part of the program is adapted or modified based on individual needs and capabilities. Students work on different levels of math, language arts, social studies, and science with assistance from support staff. Some students are integrated in regular classes for academic and social reasons. Students attend practical arts classes which include clothing, food studies, family studies, and graphics. The physical education program is regular/adapted for all students. For the life skills component of the program, students attend filed trips based on community experience and healthy living. For technology, students have access to computers in the classroom and a computer lab to work on their journals and other projects. Parental support is a key component to reinforcing the concepts taught at the school level.

Senior High, Grades 10-12
The Senior High SEC is intended for students ages 16-21 who require individualized programs. Core subjects such as math, language arts, social studies, and science are based on individual student needs and capabilities. Students complete assignments from texts, handouts, and online programs at their own pace with assistance form staff members.

Where possible, students are integrated in regular classes as identified in their IEPs to meet academic and social outcomes. Students attend practical arts classes including clothing, food studies, family studies, and graphics. Physical education and dance programs also provide opportunities for students to be active during and after school. Life skills’ training is achieved through participation in work experience placements, resume writing, a variety of community field trips.

Learning Assistance Centre (LAC)

Junior High, Grades 7-9
The LAC serves students in the age group 12-14 who have diagnosed severe emotional behaviour disorders. This structured setting allows students to improve their social functioning. Outcomes include developing age-appropriate behaviours and coping skills, improving self-esteem and building academic strengths. Behaviour modification programs are put into place to assist student to develop responsibility for their actions. Students are integrated into regular programming where possible.

Community outings form a large part of the program. They include recreational activities such as swimming, bowling, skating, billiards, visits to parks and museums, fishing, and archery.