When children with disabilities or exceptionalities head to school this fall, Five Counties Children’s Centre is aiming to set them up for success well in advance.
The regional centre for children with physical, developmental, or communication needs, is offering — for the second year in a row — three “Ready for School 101” family information fairs for kids and their parents in Cobourg, Lindsay, and Peterborough.
Unlike last year’s Ready for School events, which took place in August, this year’s events are taking place in the spring to provide ample time and opportunities for families to prepare for the start of school.
“That was part of the feedback we heard from last year, so Five Counties is pleased to make adjustment and improvements to make the 2025 Ready for School events even more of a success,” Five Counties spokesperson Bill Eekhof told kawarthaNOW.
The Ready for School events evolved out of conversations that Five Counties had with its staff, families, and partners, he said.
“We know that starting school is a milestone moment for young children and their parents, but getting ready for school can be a greater challenge for children who may have physical, developmental, or communication needs,” Eekhof explained.
“There are many excellent Road to Kindergarten events and preparation for school resources, but there was a sense that there might be a need to tailor an event specifically for families who have children with disabilities or exceptionalities.”
With that in mind and based on the success and positive responses from participants who attended the first Ready for School events in 2024, “it seemed like a natural (decision) to bring it back again in 2025,” Eekhof added.
This year’s Ready for School events take place at Five Counties’ sites in Peterborough on Saturday, May 31, in Cobourg on Saturday, June 7, and in Lindsay on Saturday, June 14.
Their aim is to help children with disabilities or exceptionalities from junior kindergarten to Grade 3 be less anxious about returning to class or adjust to starting school for the first time. The Ready for School events are also opportunities for families to understand what resources and supports are available for their child and how they can better advocate for them.
“We want to help reduce that stress for kids and parents by inviting families to attend our Ready for School events,” said Hayley Hodges, client and family engagement lead at Five Counties, in a media release.
People are encouraged to register in advance for the events at www.fivecounties.on.ca/mt-event/ready-for-school/.
Attendees will be able to hear from 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, meet local school board representatives and learn about school-based resources available to assist new students, access resources including the 6Fs of child development that can help introduce a child with unique needs to their new school setting, board a school bus to see what the ride entails, and enjoy snacks, lunch and welcome packages, including tools, toys, and tips.
To ensure kids at the events are kept busy when their parents or caregivers are learning, Five Counties will be offering “All-Day Play” activities that will be led by registered early childhood educators.
“While adults take part in the informative part of the Ready for School event, children can explore and enjoy a variety of age-appropriate activities at five interactive, supervised play stations,” Hodges noted.
She wants families attending the events to feel more confident and positive about their children starting class.
“Going to school for the first time should not cause fear and anxiety — it’s a milestone achievement that opens new doors for a child to learn and grow,” Hodges said.
“That’s why we want parents and caregivers attending this event to gain knowledge, understanding and confidence to know there are supports available to make the transition to school easier for everyone.”
