Transitions into School

Exceptional students-An exceptionally positive transition into school!

STEPS SCHOOL BOARDS TAKE TO ENSURE POSITIVE TRANSITIONS:

 

A) Establish and Maintain Links with Community Partners:

* School boards identify and establish links with community agencies that provide services to preschool children and  their families

B) Encourage Early Notification:

* School boards encourage community partners and parents to notify the board well in advance of a child’s entry to school 9-12 months prior to the start of school in September. This allows the principal to determine if there are special needs and how they can address them in the school setting.

C)School boards can develop a  detailed protocol:

•                     School boards work with community agencies to develop a written protocol for the school-entry process, with timelines, outlining the roles and responsibilities of parents and the various organizations. Also time lines and responsibilities for the following can be implemented:

•                      determining eligibility for services

•                      writing the entry-to-school plan

•                      Acquiring needed adaptive equipment or assistive technology;

•                      Providing training to staff on matters relating to special needs

D)Review the Entry-to-School Process

• School boards or entry-to-school planning teams initiate regular evaluations of the entry-to-school process at the district or the local level to identify effective practices and assist in improving the process as needed.

• School boards (including their Special Education Advisory Committees) and community agencies formally review the entry-to-school protocol, as part of the school board’s Special Education Plan, and make changes to the protocol, as required.

• School boards conduct informal reviews,as required.

 

Exceptional children Resource guide for Transitioning into school system

Exceptionality Category	Resource	Description	Contact Information
SPECIAL HEALTH  CARE DEVELOPMENTAL & SPECIAL NEEDS	Community Living Preschool Services	* For children birth -6 yrs * children with developmental concerns * provide resource consultations, developmental screening and necessary referrals	Address: 160 Hespler Rd. Cambridge Phone #: 519-623-7490
	Notre Dame of St. Agatha, INC. KidsLink	* For children attending JK – gr.3 in identified schools * consult school & personnel * referrals made from teachers, principles, parent's	Phone #: 519-741-1122
	Kids Ability Center for Child Development	* For children upto 4 yrs with physical/developmental disabilities * Provide therapy, assessments, consultations, Special Ed. Resource teacher who will follow up as needed	Address: 500 Hallmark Drive, Wtloo Phone #: 519-886-8886
	Open Sesame  Head Start	* For children 2-5 with special needs (physical,emotional,social) * routines, speech & motor dev.	Address: 29 Westmount Rd, Wtloo Phone #: 519-886-7930
	K-W Habilitation Preschool Outreach	* For children birth – 6yrs with developmental concerns *SNAP	Address: 115 University Ave,Wtloo Phone #: 519-741-0076
	Community Care Access Center	* Provides connections for home care, school health support services and other community services (assessments, arrange services)	Phone #: 519-748-2222
	Infant & Child development- Region of Waterloo	*early intervention services for children birth to 5 yrs at risk or with developmental delays	Phone #: 519-883-2628
	Waterloo Region District School Board Special Education Service	* special classes/programs for gifted children, learning deficits, developmental and physical delays * by referral from school-assessments required	Address: 51 Ardelt Avenue Kitchener Phone #: 519-570-0003
	Resource	Description	Contact Information
NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS
	Autsim Society of Ontario	* Provides info & referrals on behalf of persons with autism and pervasive developmental disorders and their families	Address: 115 University Ave, Wtloo Phone #: 519-742-1414
	Erin oak Kids	* Autism Intervention services *Provide transitions into school support * assessments, IBI	Address: Mississauga Phone #: Head office 1-905-885-3557
	M.S Society of Canada, Waterloo District Chapter	* financial assistance *information and referral *supportive counseling *physio/occupational therapy	Address: 35 Belmont Ave West Kitchener Phone: 519-569-8789

 

		Waterloo Regional Down Syndrome Society	* Education, support *  Promote and assist with inclusion for people with Down Syndrome into the community * Financial support for speech, music, physiotherapy and occupational therapy	Address: 745 Bridge street west, Wtloo Phone #:
		Asperger's Society of Ontario	* provides information on resources and services available for Asperger's	Address: 3219 Younge street, suite 231 Toronto Phone #: 1-416-651-4037
		Kids Ability Center for Child Development	* Provide therapy, assessments, consultations , links to community resources and assistance	Address: 500 Hallmark Drive, Wtloo Phone  #: 519-886-8886
		ADHD Parent Support group of Kitchener Waterloo	* provide support services for parent's, children, teachers	Address: Sheppard Public School 278 Weber Street E, Kitchener Phone: 519-648-2942
		Epilepsy Ontario, Epilepsy Waterloo-Wellington	* individual and group support, counseling and educational services	Address: 165 Hollinger Crescent, unit 5 Kitchener Phone #: 519-745-2112
GIFTEDNESS	IFTEDNE	Kerry's Place       Waterloo Region District School Board Special Education Services	* Autism services/ABA * Provide in home consultations   * special classes/programs for gifted children, learning deficits, developmental and physical delays * by referral from school-assessments required	Email: info@kerrysplace.org     Address: 51 Ardelt Avenue Kitchener Phone #: 519-570-0003
		ABO- Association of Bright Children of Ontario	* provides info and support to parent's * communicates with school boards, teachers, Ontario Ministry of education * advocacy group, provincially recognized	Email: volunteer@abcontario.ca

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXTRA RESOURCES- Government funding

 

ADP-Assistive Device Program

*Provides financial assistance to people with long term disabilities, equipment and incontinent supplies

1-800-268-6021

 

ACSD- Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities

* Monthly benefit entitlement for caregivers of a child under 18 who lives at home

 www.mcss.gov.on.ca/mcss/english

 

HVMP-Home and Vehicle Modification Program

* Provides funding for basic home/vehicle modifications which enable children/adults with mobility restrictions to live at home provided by Ontario March of Dimes

1-877-369-4867

 

RDSP- Registered Disability Savings Plan

* Long term savings plan to help parent's and others save for the future financial security of a person who is disabled *                                          www.cra.gc.ca

 

SSAH- Special Services @ Home Program

* Supports families with a developmental or physical disabilities; financial assistance;respite

www.eafwr.on.ca/programs/ssah

 

The Easter Seal Society

* Children/youth-provides financial assistance for assistive devices

1-888-278-7797

 

KidsAbility Technical Resource

* Provide/assist seating and mobility services, also devices

519-886-8886