Right Program

The RIGHT Program is a Winnipeg School Division program designed for children on the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum (FAS). The program is housed at Shaughnessy Park School. There are three self-contained, multi-grade classes (primary, intermediate, and junior high). A teacher and two educational assistants work in each program.  Low enrollment allows for a concentrated focus on individual academic and social needs. The Child Guidance Clinic and other agencies such as Manitoba FASD Centre, and the Rehabilitation Centre for Children are accessed as needed.

Children on the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum have a wide variety of strengths and needs. The RIGHT Program takes into account the unique needs that children on the spectrum have in common such as:

• Difficulty connecting cause and effect. Adaptations to the classroom environment are made so children can be success

• Difficulty following multi-step directions. Every effort is made to give directions in a slow, concise manner. Visual cues are provided to assist in greater levels of understanding.

• The need for a structured environment with predictable daily routines. Routines are developed for transition times (both within the classroom and throughout the school) in order to reduce stress levels.

• Distractibility. Stimuli not associated with the learning tasks are reduced to a minimum. Calming techniques are in place.

• The need for repetition in learning. Sometimes lessons are pre-taught, taught, and/or re-taught. Skills are frequently revisited.

• Difficulty with social skills. Children are taught social skills in discreet steps with opportunity for practise.

The RIGHT program exists to help students acquire life-long strategies. The learning environment is adapted to meet a student’s needs. Educators seek to recognize the strengths and talents that individual children have. They work to develop these gifts to their fullest potential so that students will meet with future success.