Entry to School

The Entry to School (ETS) is a Ministry-funded Ontario Autism Program (OAP). This program helps prepare your child to get ready for school and is a partnership between local school boards and community-based OAP service providers.

TVCC provides the Entry to School program to children who live in Elgin, Middlesex, London, Oxford, Huron, Perth, Grey and Bruce counties.  Our classrooms are located in Owen Sound, Stratford, St. Thomas, and London.

Eligibility Requirements:

Your child is eligible if:

  • Your child has an autism diagnosis, is registered with Access OAP and has received a letter of invitation.
  • Your child is between the ages of 3 and 6 years old as of December 31 in the year they are starting school
  • Your child is entering school for the first time, Junior Kindergarten, Senior Kindergarten or Grade 1.

Once you have received a letter of invitation from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, register for Entry to School by contacting Samantha McCarthy, ETS Program Coordinator

Entry to School includes two main parts:

Group-Based Skill-Building Program - 6 months

Your child will join other children in a half-day program that runs 5 days a week for 6 months.  The program will be led by a multi-disciplinary team of professionals that are knowledgeable about autism. The group-based part of the program will be delivered in person.  New cohorts are expected to begin in March and September. 

The first part is a six-month, group-based, skill-building program, focused on helping children develop school-readiness skills in six areas:

Communication 

Such as conversation, expressing wants and needs, understanding words and language, social communication, and non-verbal communication

Play

Such as toy exploration, and engaging in group play/games

Social interaction

Such as understanding of social boundaries, interactions with peers, and learning new behaviours by observing/imitating peers

Functional routines

Such as following classroom routines, and self-help skills such as dressing and toilet training

Behavioural self-management

Such as emotional regulation and being able to wait their turn

Pre-academics, learning and attention

Such as developing new learning skills, working within a group setting, and independent work

Individual Transition Support

After completing the group-based part of the program, children will start the second part of the program, which provides them with individual transition supports as they enter school. Families and educators can also access consultation services from Entry To School program staff during a child’s first six months in school, as needed. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Entry to School (ETS) at TVCC?

The Entry to School (ETS) is a Ministry-funded Ontario Autism Program (OAP). This program helps prepare your child to get ready for school and is a partnership between local school boards and community-based OAP service providers.

Who is eligible for ETS?
  • Children registered in the OAP
  • Children must receive an invitation from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
  • Children entering school for the first time
What will my child learn in ETS? 

The first part is a six-month, group-based, skill-building program, focused on helping children develop school-readiness skills in six areas:

  • Communication  
  • Play
  • Social interaction
  • Functional routines
  • Behavioural self-management
  • Pre-academics, learning and attention
Will my ETS team communicate with my child’s school? 

After completing the group-based part of the program, children will start the second part of the program, which provides them with individual transition supports as they enter school. Families and educators can also access consultation services from Entry To School program staff during a child’s first six months in school, as needed. 

Where does TVCC offer ETS?

TVCC provides the Entry to School program to children who live in Elgin, Middlesex, London, Oxford, Huron, Perth, Grey and Bruce counties.  Our classrooms are located in Owen Sound, Stratford, St. Thomas, and London.

How do I register for ETS?

Select an option:

  • TVCC Intake Coordinator: 1-866-590-8822 & Press 1
  • Fill out the Online Referral Form
  • Call ETS Program Coordinator: 866-590-8822 Ext 53777
  • Email us - abs [at] tvcc.on.ca (abs[at]tvcc[dot]on[dot]ca)