GREAT NEWS! We are now offering a second cycle of our Social Skill/Fun Group starting May 2/23. We will run from May 2 through to June 6/23. The first 5 weeks will be at the GP Public Library and the sixth week will be a 'field trip' to the 'Arcadium' in Grande Prairie. Click on the CYCLE 2 button below for more details in the poster. Use the contact form below to inquire and/or sign up now! Please note: If your child participated in cycle 1 of the group, you are welcome to register them for cycle 2 as well!
UPDATE: Cycle 2 is full and we had a successful start to the sessions! We hope to offer one or two groups in the fall as well. A summer week is definitely a go! Click on the "Summer Info Poster" button below for more info. Fill out the contact form below if you want to inquire about it for your child to attend August 14-18 from 1-3:30pm. This is for teens again (ages 12-17) but we will offer a morning session for ages 9-11 as well now during the same week and location from 10-11:30am.
UPDATE: Cycle 2 is full and we had a successful start to the sessions! We hope to offer one or two groups in the fall as well. A summer week is definitely a go! Click on the "Summer Info Poster" button below for more info. Fill out the contact form below if you want to inquire about it for your child to attend August 14-18 from 1-3:30pm. This is for teens again (ages 12-17) but we will offer a morning session for ages 9-11 as well now during the same week and location from 10-11:30am.
MAJOR UPDATE ON FUNDING/SUPPORT THROUGH FSCD: As of May 8th, moving forward, families can approach their FSCD Caseworkers to determine if the family meets the criteria through Behavioral Developmental Supports (BDS). The service will need to be active prior to service commencing. Families will be able to pay for service and then be reimbursed, as per any typical support through FSCD.
NOTE: This only applies if your child has a contract through FSCD. If you do not have a current contract and would like to apply, here is the link to find out more: FSCD - How to apply | Alberta.ca
NOTE: This only applies if your child has a contract through FSCD. If you do not have a current contract and would like to apply, here is the link to find out more: FSCD - How to apply | Alberta.ca
NEW!! Summer 'camp': Monday through Friday, August 14-18 inclusive. Will run 1:00-3:30pm. Much like our social skill group but a bit longer and a week. Build friendships and have fun! Location: Harry Balfour School (10815 104 St.). Accepting 8 teens (ages 12-17) with an autism diagnosis (same criteria as the social skill group - see below). We will have some peer models again as we do for the regular cycle groups. Cost will be $450 inclusive. Fill out the contact form below if you are interested in seeing if this is right for your teen! NOTE: We will run a group for younger students (ages 9-11) in the morning for $350 at the same location. Please fill out the contact form if your child(ren) is between the ages of 9-11also if you want them to participate!
The value these facilitators bring is not quantifiable, however directly impacts our child's quality of life. (Parent Quote)
This group has helped him immensely. It allowed him to try something new, that gently challenged him in an inclusive environment, and supported him where he's at in his social development. (Parent Quote)
Are you looking for a place for your 12-17 year old with autism to go and have fun with friends in a safe and supportive environment? Would you feel more comfortable and confident knowing that two adults with education and experience with autism will be there to help with social skill building while your child has a great time in a social setting making new friends/connections? If yes, please consider signing your child up for our 6 week social group!
As parents and community members, we saw a lack of social skill supports and groups that are specifically for pre-teens/teens with autism in Grande Prairie. Having the knowledge and passion to provide such a group, we will begin offering this first set of evenings in February, 2023 (see poster for more details/exact dates). We will run the groups for six weeks with parents having a chance to sign up again for the next six or have a group of new kids join us. We will have a few peer models join the group that have also had training and are wanting to have fun with us. We will see how much interest there is and expand to other evenings/ages if needed.
Please fill out the intake form below so we can contact you and answer any other questions. We will be informing the parents of the children chosen to participate so that you can make plans for your child to attend (including transportation) and payment. Since we only have 8 paid spots (plus peer models), you may be put on a waitlist.
Please note your child must meet the following criteria to attend:
-have an official autism diagnosis
-be between the ages of 12-17 (inclusive)
-have verbal abilities to keep up with some conversation and direction
-must be a willing participant
The participants will need transportation to and from the chosen venue each week. You are not required to stay for the session but will need to pick your child up promptly at 8pm. The sessions will run on Tuesday evenings from 6:30-8:00pm.
Location: We have found a great room at the public library in GP that will accommodate our needs perfectly (not summer week though)! It is called the Rotary Community Room (located near the front entrance just beside the women's washroom heading towards the front desk). We will run the first five sessions there (at the library) and have a planned outing together at a different 'fun' location together that the participants would like to visit for the final/sixth Tuesday evening.
**UPDATE on week 6 'field trip/activity' location: We have made arrangements for the participants to attend the 'Arcadium' in Grande Prairie for the sixth evening from 6:30-8:00pm. We will NOT meet at the library that week - please provide transportation to and from the Arcadium that evening. Address: 109-11012 100 St. GP, T8V2N1 (close to Giant Tiger/Dollarama/Beach Bumz tanning, etc.) NOTE: There is no extra fee for you - it is covered in the original payment you made! :)
Since we are just starting out, we will be trialing the format and community interest but will commit to continuing and/or expanding if there is sufficient community/parent support. With cycle 2 beginning, we will gauge interest and possibly add in another weeknight for those wanting to participate to accommodate those interested.
The cost of the group is to be paid in advance to hold your child's spot and must be paid at time of registration/acceptance: $80 per each1.5 hour session for 6 sessions=$480.00 paid to CMoore in Education (EFT) to cmooreineducation@gmail.com. If your child misses any sessions for any reason, there will not be a refund. Note: We are exploring avenues to help cover expenses if possible (donations of services/food/enrollment fee). *Let us know in advance if you need financial assistance to help with some of the fee as there are options for local support. This fee covers the activity fee as well for your child (ex: fee for the local arcade, etc.). (Note: Summer fees differ - see posters)
NOTE: Our social group is a safe and caring environment where participants are to build friendships and feel joy. To ensure this, moderate to severe behaviors will not be tolerated and will be removed without a refund if we have safety concerns for your child or any other participant. Please review group criteria for reference.
UPDATE on financial assistance: If you would like to seek financial assistance for your child to participate for cycle 2, please fill out the application form for Kev's kids at this link: www.977rock.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/38/2020/12/KEVS-KIDS-APPLICAITON-FORM.pdf I have spoke with the administrators of this group and they sound very supportive. Thank you!
We are constantly looking to solicit donations from local companies as well to help cover the costs for cycle 2. If you know of a company that may like to support, let us know and we can send/drop off a letter with more information.
A HUGE thank you to the Peace Autism Society for some funding provided in cycle one! We are so grateful. Thank you as well to Costco and Southside Safeway for a donation to snacks/drinks as well. We would also like to thank Arcadium for their reduced rate and incredible hospitality/generosity for our week 6 'field trip'. It was SO FUN!!! Grande Prairie is such a supportive community!!
CMoore in Education is a registered and insured business. You will, however, need to fill out a liability and FOIPP form prior to participating. We are officially approved by and supervised by a local registered psychologist and occupational therapist who have approved our materials, procedures and format.
First when I came here, I was nervous even though I looked like I wasn't. Now that I got to know this place, I got used to it and got more sociable and opened up which I found to be really good and helpful! (Participant quote)
This place is so fun. You make such good friendships and connections! I really recommend it! (Participant quote)
Teen Summer Camp (ages 12-17) August
CA$450.00
Sign up for our August 14-18 Teen summer week/camp for ages 12-17. Ensure you have filled out the intake form on the website before purchasing this and make sure your child meets the specific criteria required for participation.
Summer Camp for ages 9-11 (August 14-18)
CA$350.00
Sign your child up for our summer camp week from August 14-18 for ages 9-11. Ensure you have submitted the online intake form before ordering or paying. Ensure your child also meets the criteria listed on the website before ordering or submitting payment.