The Entry to School program helps children get ready to attend school and is a partnership between the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent (CTC-CK) and local school boards. 

The Entry to School program begins with a group-based and/or outreach program which focuses on helping children learn the skills they need to successfully transition into their local school classroom for the first time.

Skill-building goals may include:

• Communication
• Play
• Social interactions
• Functional routines and classroom routines
• Behavioral self-management
• Pre-academics, learning and attention.

Most children will begin attending school in September and receive up to 6 months of transition supports. As part of the transition supports, the Entry to School staff will share resources, strategies and knowledge with your child’s classroom teachers and school staff.

Eligibility

To participate in the Entry to School Program, your child must be:

• Registered with the Ontario Autism Program
• Between 3-6 years of age as of December 31^st  in the year they are starting school
• Starting JK, SK, or grade one for the first time

If your child is eligible, the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) will send you an invitation letter online through the ministry Hub portal.

Your child may not be eligible for the Entry to School program if they are receiving core clinical services, have an active behaviour plan, have already started attending school, or started participating in a Caregiver-Mediated Early Years Program after April  1^st in the year they will start school.

Registering for the Entry to School Program

Once you receive an invitation from MCCSS, contact the CTC-CK to learn more about the Entry to School program and to register. 

Phone – 519-354-0520