The following external services are delivered by certified professionals employed by Peace Collaborative Services (PCS). PCS provides support to students in PRSD schools using various interventions and services. If you think your child needs further support in these areas, please contact the I-Coach at your local school.
Speech Language Pathology: Speech Language Pathologists (SLP) assist with communication needs in the classroom, strategies to facilitate learning for specific children, and overall information regarding phonemic awareness and language in the classroom. Other areas of practice include assistive technology and augmentative communication.
Occupational Therapy: Occupational Therapists (OT) work collaboratively with teachers, students, families, and other team members to support active engagement in school-related activities that are important for learning and participation in the school community. Examples of consultation focus for school-based Occupational Therapists include:
- School environment (e.g., desks/chairs, classroom design) and routines
- Organizational skills
- Self-regulation and sensory programming
- Play with toys and peers
- Printing and assistive technology for literacy (i.e., reading and writing)
- Functional life skill programming and transition planning
- Self-help skills (e.g., dressing for recess, eating)
Psychology: School-based psychologists work collaboratively with the PCS team to provide a number of services, including:
- Helping others understand child development and how it impacts learning and behaviour
- Developing strategies/interventions for classroom management, behavioural support, and academic programming
- Comprehensive assessments that identify a student’s strengths and challenges in such areas as learning, behaviour, and social-emotional development
- Providing training and resources on a number of topics such as child trauma, various developmental challenges, social skills, emotional control and mental health issues
- Assisting school communities in responding to crisis situations
- Providing professional development opportunities tailored to meet the needs of staff and/or students
Vision Specialist: The consultant for the Blind and Visually Impaired assists learning teams with ongoing specialized curriculum, such as braille literacy, assistive technology, social skills, etc., for students who are blind or those with low vision. Functional vision and learning media assessments to aid in appropriate classroom adaptations, teaching strategies, and educational accommodations for these students may also be provided.
Physical Therapy: School-based Physical Therapist evaluates the child’s ability to function in the school environment which includes the classroom, playground, and common spaces around the school. A school Physical Therapist may make recommendations for physical therapy if the child demonstrates difficulty accessing these environments or participating with other children in these environments due to a disability.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing: The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Consultant provides consultation support for students with hearing loss in the areas of listening skill development and assistive listening devices (hearing aids, cochlear implants, personal FM systems). Support is also available to address the individual needs of the student with hearing loss in the classroom setting as well as an assessment of language and academic skills.