Lifeskills Educational Alternative Program (LEAP)

What is LEAP?

The Lifeskills Educational Alternative Program (LEAP) is a Grade 7, 8 and 9 lifeskills program for students in the Louis Riel School Division. Students accepted for this program present cognitive functioning that is several years below an age-appropriate grade level.

LEAP is a program with a low student-to-teacher ratio in a hands-on environment. The open nature of the program gives students the opportunity to succeed and progress with a group of peers, all functioning at similar levels, in a supportive environment. Among the many important aspects of this program is the opportunity for students to enhance their social skills and develop lasting friendships, which in turn build self-esteem and self-respect.

Through individual and group project work students apply math, science and language skills in this hands-on environment that includes woodworking, sewing and food preparation.
Using an entrepreneurship model, students gain experience in planning, designing, marketing and managing accounts for products they manufacture themselves in the LEAP program.

Entry Criteria

• Students who need functional experiences to support growth in independence, communication, community awareness, and skills for employment, money management and personal care.
• Students will be age appropriate for grades 7 to 9.
• Generally, students who qualify for Special Needs Level II funding are not eligible for LEAP (some exceptions apply).
• A team-developed Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) has been developed and implemented for several years, or the student has recently entered the Louis Riel School Division with a history of special education services.