Five Counties Holding Ready for School Events to Help Kids With Disabilities or Exceptionalities Adjust to Class

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With back-to-school just over a month away, Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) wants to support families with children with disabilities or exceptionalities who are starting class for the first time, announced on Thursday morning.

Hayley Hodges helping FCCC host Ready for School events in August to help with the transition for families who have kids with disabilities or exceptionalities starting class for the first time. Photo courtesy of FCCC.

The Centre is hosting Ready for School Family Info Fairs at its sites in Peterborough (Aug. 20), Cobourg (Aug. 21) and Lindsay (Aug. 22). The aim is to ease the transition to school for kids starting JK, SK or Grade 1, making it less worrisome for families whose children may face greater challenges due to physical, developmental or communication needs according to event organizer Hayley Hodges, FCCC client and family engagement lead.

“Any time a child starts school is a big deal for families, but it can be even more nerve-wracking for parents and caregivers whose child has a disability or exceptionality,” she said. “We want to help reduce that anxiety for kids and parents by inviting families to attend our Ready for School events.”

Each event runs from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Advance registration is required and child care will be available.

Attendees will be able to:

  • Gain knowledge and experience about going to school for the first time.

  • 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.

  • Learn how to advocate for their child, while learning about school-based resources to support them.

  • Access resources, including the 6F’s of Child Development that can help introduce a child with unique needs to their new school setting.

  • Get on board a school bus to see what the ride entails.

  • Enjoy snack and welcome packages, including tools, toys and tips.

The Ready for School events organized by Five Counties are not meant to duplicate other school-preparation events said Hodges.

“Our focus at Five Counties is to help kids and youth with disabilities and exceptionalities build their abilities for life,” she said. “One of the biggest life-changing events a child goes through is starting school, so it makes sense for Five Counties to be there for families who may need extra help and reassurance at this time.”

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