Changes coming to increase support for students

New student well-being supports will be introducedand implemented over the next three years at Island schools, the P.E.I. government announced Tuesday.

The changes will begin with the Montague and Westisle family of schools this fall.

• No schools will close, says P.E.I. premier
• School zoning exceptions still possible, says director

Core service delivery teams

One element of these initiatives will be the construction of core service delivery teams in schools.

The teams will include mental health therapists, school nurses and youth workers.

In some cases,alternative education programs and occupational therapy resources will be added to the support services available at a school.

"We agree that providing services where children and youth are in schools makes sense," said Education, Early Learningand Culture Minister Doug Currie.

'Unprecedented level of engagement'

The province said the new supports came as a result of the school review process.

"Throughout this process we have heard from Islanders about the importance of supporting student well-being," said Premier Wade MacLauchlan.

"We've heeded these concerns and will act by introducing new supports for students."

"Discussions and decisions about education must be focused on learning not just infrastructure," added Currie.

Improving student well-being

In addition to the core service delivery teams, the government wants to make accessing community services easier for families through better coordination.

Addressing gaps in support services, a focus on prevention and early intervention and increased collaboration between schools and agencies that provide help to students arealso part of the government's plans.

Currie credited the district advisory councils with highlighting the importance ofmeasures like these.

"They told us more supports are needed to help students with challenges that impact their academic achievement," he said.

"Now the decisions have been made and Islanders voices have been heard."

• MORE P.E.I. NEWS |'This is the way he operates': Opposition questions wait for school decision
• MORE P.E.I. NEWS |P.E.I. woman found guilty of animal cruelty, banned from owning animals for 5 years