Five Counties gears up for the next school year

By Cecilia Nasmith

As one school year winds down, Five Counties Children's Centre is preparing for the success of families whose children with disabilities or exceptionalities will start class for the first time this fall.

For the third straight year, Five Counties is organizing Ready For School events at its sites, including the Cobourg location at 800 Division St., Unit 2 – Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Organizer Hayley Hodges – the Five Counties Client and Family Engagement Lead – said the aim is to help children in junior kindergarten through Grade 3 transition more easily to school, especially if they face greater challenges due to physical, developmental or communications needs. And parents and caregivers in attendance can learn more about what their child can expect at school and how to advocate more effectively on his or her behalf.

“The event can inform parents about how to best take advantage of Five Counties services as children transition to school,” Hodges said in the announcement.

“It also helps to bridge the knowledge gap about school supports and resources available to make the transition easier for everyone.”

The event includes activities for all ages. For kids in attendance, there are supervised play-based activities led by Registered Early Childhood Educators.

“While adults take part in the information part of Ready For School event, children can explore and enjoy a variety of age-appropriate activities,” Hodges added.

Attendees will be able to:

• Network with other parents whose kids with disabilities or exceptionalities have successfully made the transition to school

• Ask questions of Five Counties clinicians and other professionals who support students

• Learn about school-based resources available to new students

• Access resources (including The 6 Fs of Child Development) that can help introduce a child with unique needs to their new school setting

• Actually board a school bus to see what the ride entails, while learning the important role bus drivers play in getting students safely to class

• Enjoy snacks, lunch and welcome packages that include tools, toys and tips

Hodges finds that the parent panel is one of the most popular parts of the event.

“Hearing from other parents and caregivers whose child with a disability or exceptionality has transitioned to school can be of real benefit,” she said.

“Parents' stories and experiences about what their fears were when their child started school, and how they addressed them, can bring a sense of community and the realization that your family is not the only one going through this.”

To register, visit www.fivecounties.on.ca/mt-event/ready-for-school