Entry to School

What is the Entry to School Program?

The Entry to School (ETS) Program helps children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) prepare for the transition into kindergarten or Grade 1. Designed for children aged 3 to 6 years who are entering school for the first time, this short-term, evidence-based program provides foundational skills to support success in the classroom. Through structured group-based and individualized services, the program focuses on communication, social interaction, independence, and emotional readiness.

Preschooler cutting colourful paper in classroom

Group of nursery school children with teacher sitting on the classroom floor

How We Help

The Entry to School Program includes:

Six Months of Focused Learning: Children participate in structured group programming designed to build readiness skills for school success.

Skill Development: Support in areas such as communication, social interaction, attention and engagement, play, pre-academics, and self-help skills.

Individualized Support: Each child’s plan is tailored to their needs, incorporating both one-on-one and group-based activities.

Transition Support: After the six-month group program, families receive up to six additional months of consultation as their child begins school.

Collaboration with Schools and Families: Our team works closely with parents and educators to ensure a smooth and successful transition into the classroom.

Who Can Benefit

This program is for:

Children between the ages of 3 and 6 who are registered with the Ontario Autism Program (OAP).

Children who are starting school for the first time in kindergarten or Grade 1.

Families living in Windsor-Essex County who want support in preparing their child for a successful school experience.

Children must not yet have started school to be eligible for the program.

Young boy playing with colourful bottles of liquid at preschool

Mom on the floor with her two children playing

Our Approach

We take a child-centred, play-based approach that blends Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) with early learning strategies. Children build school-readiness skills in a supportive, engaging environment with experienced autism professionals.

Our programming is flexible, person-centred, and rooted in best practices.

Our team includes:

ABA Therapists
Clinical Supervisors
Early Childhood Educators
Family Support Workers

We involve families every step of the way, offering strategies to use at home and supporting collaboration with educators to ease the school transition.