Room 21

Ms. Harris’s PAL Class Overview

WHAT IS PAL?

PAL is an acronym for Preschool for All Learners. The PAL program is a transformational preschool program under the LAUSD Division of Special Education.

WHO ARE THE STUDENTS?

Our class is comprised of twelve students (10 boys, 2 girls) with a variety of needs. These students are from diverse backgrounds and have varying degrees of disabilities.  There are 3 adults permanently assigned to our class with several support providers (Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist, Adapted Physical Education) who visit regularly.

WHAT ARE THEY LEARNING?

The purpose of the PALS program is to teach students critical thinking skills and age appropriate socialization. Our students are preparing to be college and career ready by learning the foundational skills needed in order to effectively transition into Kindergarten and beyond!

HOW WILL THEY LEARN IT?

Students participate in a variety of centers (see attached description) and activities designed to assist in meeting their Individual Educational Program (IEP) goals.

HOW WILL LEARNING BE ASSESSED?

Each students progress is evaluated using the Desired Results Development Profile (DRDP), which serves as a framework for preschool children in the state of California (see DRDP Description handout).

TOOLS

The chosen curriculum for the PAL program is “Creative Curriculum”. Creative Curriculum, provides daily activities for our class designed to promote critical thinking and support students individual goals.  Our class also uses a variety of manipulative, art supplies, technology, psychomotor equipment, music and other tools to enhance the curriculum.

SUMMARY Preschool for All Learners (PAL) is a special day program located at designated District sites with one special education teacher and 2 special education assistants. PAL serves 10 children with a range of eligibilities with both moderate and severe levels of need. All programs include regularly scheduled interactions with typical peers served in preschool and kindergarten classes. PAL classes meet for 4 hours 30 minutes, five days a week. All students will participate in the Desired Results Developmental Profile access (DRDP access) assessment for preschool students with IEP’s.  The Creative Curriculum for Preschool: Foundation, the curricula adopted by the Division of Special Education Early Education is used in the classroom. The curriculum is based on 5 guiding principles; Positive interactions with adults, social emotional ability, purposeful play, the importance of appropriate physical environment and partnerships between teachers and families.