A bridge into the classroom, one step at a time. Not every child is ready to walk into a full classroom on day one. Vianney’s Transition Program helps students who are starting school for the first time, or returning after time away, build the skills and confidence to succeed. That time away might follow a difficult school experience, a period at home or time in therapy.

Who it’s for

• Children with autism, ADHD or other learning and developmental needs who are getting ready to start school
• Students who have had trouble staying in a classroom and need support before going back to their home school

What students work on

• Self-regulation: recognizing feelings, coping with change, and staying calm and ready to learn
• Relating and engaging with others: taking turns, joining group activities, and building trust with teachers and peers
• Communicating in meaningful ways: expressing needs, asking for help, and following classroom instructions
• Critical thinking: problem-solving, making choices, and staying focused on a task
• Classroom routines: sitting for circle time, following a visual schedule, lining up, and moving between activities
• Independence and self-help skills: managing belongings, toileting, eating snacks and lunch, and dressing for outdoor time

How it works

Each student begins with an evaluation conducted by the classroom teacher and our educational therapists. Together, they build an individual plan around the student’s strengths and goals. Students begin with small, structured sessions and gradually take on longer periods, more group learning and classroom routines, at a pace that works for them. We partner closely with families, and when a student is ready, we work with the receiving school to make the move as smooth as possible.

Working with schools

Vianney currently works with schools on this program. We coordinate with teachers and school staff so that the skills a student builds here carry over to their classroom, and so the school is prepared to welcome them.

Vianney Academy accepts Ontario Autism Program (OAP) funding. Contact us to learn more or to book a visit.