EMSB Programs / Youth Special Needs

Reaching Optimal Opportunities to Succeed (ROOTS)

ROOTS is a self-contained class in a regular school that addresses the needs of students between the ages of 6 to 12 years with a moderate to severe intellectual impairment with or without a co-morbidity.  To ensure individualized attention and intensive interventions, the class sizes are between 5 to 7 students.  The ROOTS class follows a competency-based ministerial program called CASP*, focusing on the development of essential competencies such as communication, social skills, daily living and functional academic skills with the goal to increase autonomy and prepare each student for a smooth integration at school and in society.  The use of technology as a teaching tool integrated into daily learning activities. 

Consultative services are provided by a Speech-Language Pathologist, Psychologist, Occupational Therapist, Special Education Consultant and Autism Spectrum Disorder Consultant if needed.

 *CASP – Competency-based Approach to Social Participation