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
  • CAFI Headstart
  • 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:

  1. Vision/Hearing Screening
  2. Developmental and/or Speech-Language Screening
  3. Evaluations
  4. Committee Determination for Eligibility
  5. Committee Development of Individualized Education Program (IEP)
  6. 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