What is a Play Pal?

A play pal is a child that is at least 3 years of age and has demonstrated advanced abilities in the areas of language and age appropriate socialization skills.   These students serve as a peer models for students with disabilities.

 Our Goals

• To design classroom procedures that support social integration, which promotes interactions among children with and without disabilities.

• To provide students with disabilities the opportunity to interact with peers that display advanced skills in the area of language and socialization.

The program is cost-free for eligible students.

Transportation may be provided for those students that demonstrate a need and reside within the preschool’s attendance area.

To determine eligibility as a SJSD play pal, students must participate in a developmental screening. Following an early childhood screening, you may be notified that your child is eligible to serve as an SJSD play pal. If you and your family are interested in determining eligibility for the Peer Model program, click here to make an appointment for our next Early Childhood Screening.