OAP Entry to School Program Announcement
The OAP Entry to School (ETS) program has been awarded to OAP-Durham. OAP-Durham (OAP-D) is a partnership between Lake Ridge Community Support Service (LRCSS), Grandview Kids, Resources for Exceptional Children and Youth and Durham Region. Beginning in March 2022, children on the autism spectrum entering kindergarten or Grade 1 for the first time will be able to access the Entry to School Program. LRCSS will lead the delivery of the group-based ETS program. Children and their families will receive a letter from the OAP inviting them to register for the program beginning in January.
Read the December 3, 2021 OAP press release at news.ontario.ca
The Entry to School (ETS) program is part of the new early years service pathway in the needs-based Ontario Autism Program (OAP). This program will be available to families free of charge and will support families with young children up to 6 years of age who are registered in the OAP and who are starting school for the first time (either kindergarten or grade one).
The group-based program will focus on preparing children to enter school, and target skill-building within the following six domains: communication, play, social interaction, functional routines, behavioural self-management, pre- academics, learning and attention. Children in this group-based skill-building program will attend for up to six months of service; offered on half days (three hours per day), five days per week, with flexibility for the number of days or hours a child attends depending on their needs. These children will be supported by Behaviour Technicians and Register Behaviour Technicians. The program will be supported by a Clinical Team consisting of BCBAs, Occupational Therapists, and Speech-Language Pathologists. Children in this program will be provided with transitional support by OAP-D upon entry to school to promote a successful transition.
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