Carroll County Schools
Preschool Assessment & Learning Services (PALS)
Mission Statement
Early Intervention plants a seed for success... Ready. Set. Grow!
Vision Statement
PALS will be valued as a premier learning environment, enhancing global development, and ensuring school readiness for exceptional students ages three to five.
Contact Us
Phone: (770)832-3568
Fax: (770)830-1303
What is the Preschool Assessment and Learning Services (PALS) Program?
The PALS program is an early intervention program serving children ages 3 to 5 who reside in Carroll County, GA. It is a division of the Carroll County Schools Program for Exceptional Children.
To be eligible for the PALS program, a child must exhibit a significant delay in one or more of the following areas:
- Cognition - skills and abilities that are conceptual in nature
- Speech/Language - reception and expression through verbal and non-verbal means
- Motor Skills - precise movement of muscles with the intent to perform a specific act
- Social Skills - abilities and characteristics allowing children to engage in meaningful social interactions
- Adaptive Skills - self-help and daily living skills
- Vision Impairment - lost or diminished vision
- Hearing Impairment - lost or diminished hearing
Who can Make a Referral?
The following is a list of example individuals and organizations able to refer a child for services:
- Parents/Guardians
- Teachers
- Daycare Providers
- Homecare Providers
- Medical Personnel
- Hospitals
- Head Start
- Babies Can't Wait
- Health Department
- Department of Family and Children's Services (DFCS)
- Children's Medical Services.
What is the Process?
In compliance with Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Georgia Rules and Regulations, the process of identification for Special Education services includes:
- Vision/Hearing Screening
- Developmental and/or Speech-Language Screening
- Evaluations
- Committee Determination for Eligibility
- Committee Development of Individualized Education Program (IEP)
- Implementation of services
What are the Benefits of Early Intervention?
The purpose of early intervention is to encourage children to be independent and active learners by providing a positive preschool experience. Children who are eligible for Special Education Services may be served in a variety of settings including:
- The Home Environment
- Local Preschool Programs
- Head Start
- Daycare Settings
- Classrooms of Children with Disabilities
Those who receive PALS services may participate in the following activities:
- Improve Communication with Same-Age Peers and Adults
- Appropriate Social Interactions with Others
- Strengthening Fine and Gross Motor Skills
- Attention to Tasks
- Self-Care Skills
- Appropriate Social Behaviors
- Pre-Academic and Pre-Readiness Skills