This is very exciting! We are looking at adding in new, highly specialized skill training for those that want something more formal. This will start in January 2024. More details to come...
A big thank you to all of our summer 'campers' and their families! Rochelle and I had such a great week with them and witnessed so many authentic connections and joy filled moments. The days were full but it was invigorating to see and hear all the amazing insights, sharing and witnessing them all just enjoy the moment. Our hearts were certainly overflowing by the end of the week and hope that the friendships started will continue on past that week. It was so much fun!
Fall Sessions are a go for the teen group!
We will run in 6 session cycles again and are open to both new and returning participants. It will run similarly to cycles 1 and 2 but with some new changes and activities. Details below - if you are new to our programming, fill out an intake form (below) or if returning, email us to see about a potential spot!
Teen social/fun group (ages 13-17): Running on Mondays
Sept. 18, 25, Oct 2, Oct 16, 30, Nov 6
6:30-8:00pm
Location: Harry Balfour School
10815 - 104 St.
Grande Prairie, Alberta
T8V 6R2
*pictured below
Cost: $480.00
NOTE: If you are interested in signing up for the next cycle, we will run the teen nights on Tuesdays from 7-8:30pm on Nov. 14, 21, 28, Dec. 5, 12 and 19th
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Pre-Teen social/fun group (ages 9-12): Running on Tuesdays:
5:30-7:00pm - Winter Cycle (upcoming)
Dates: Oct. 24, Nov 7, 14, 28, and Dec. 5
Location: Harry Balfour School
*same location as listed above and pictured below
Cost: $480.00
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Kids social/fun group (ages 6-8): We are not able to run a group for this age group yet due to lack of registrations at this time. We hope to run it asap. If you are wanting this for your child, still fill out an intake form (below) and hopefully we can do so soon and will get in touch with you to follow up.
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If you are interested and have not yet filled out an intake form (scroll down to find it), please do so. If you are a returning participant, simply email us at cmooreineducation@gmail.com to express your interest. Do NOT make a payment until we have emailed an acceptance for that cycle.
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). Guardians are encouraged to contact their FSCD caseworker to determine if the child meets criteria for additional funding supports through the FSCD Program. Families will be able to pay for service and then be reimbursed, if approved, 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
The value these facilitators bring is not quantifiable, however directly impacts our child's quality of life. (Parent Quote)
Our son said he had fun and wants to go back there tomorrow. This is huge for him. Are you having more sessions?
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)
Our kiddo had such a great time today, he came out with a huge smile on his face. Thankyou! |
This is literally the first thing that my son did not want to quit! I couldn't believe it! |
Are you looking for a place for your 6-8, 9-12 or 13-17 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 began offering sessions in February of 2023. We 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 8-10 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 13-17 (inclusive) or 6-8 or 9-12 years old for other group
-have verbal abilities to keep up with some conversation and direction
-must be a willing participant
-must not exhibit any behaviours that may harm self or others (for safety of all participants)
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 the end of the session. The sessions will run on Monday and Tuesday evenings (see above information and/or posters for ages/dates/times/location).
Location for Fall/Winter 2023 Sessions: We were unable to attain the Rotary room that we had used previously in the GPPL (if you are a returning member) but we have secured a new location for our group this fall. We will run out of Harry Balfour School (details listed above). This is an excellent location with many benefits to our participants. Please be prompt for drop off and pick up (doors will open right at start time listed).
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. We will gauge interest and possibly add in another group for non-verbal children for those wanting to participate to accommodate those interested.
How to pay for these sessions to hold your spot after getting confirmation on acceptance:
The cost of the fall/winter 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.
*If you prefer to pay with a credit card, use the option to pay below.
Note: Let us know in advance if you need financial assistance to help with some of the fee as there are options for local support.
UPDATE on financial assistance: If you would like to seek financial assistance for your child to participate, 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 have been supportive in the past. We have also spoken to Inclusion GP and they have indicated that people may ask and they will see if they are able to help out! Thank you to all agencies that support our families!
IMPORTANT: 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.
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, Save-on Foods, Superstore and Northside/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.
I noticed him using the conversation skills from the sessions so I would like him to re-register and build on it!" |
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 Social Group Fall 2023 Session
CA$480.00
Sign up for our September through November Teen Social/Fun Group for ages 13-17. Ensure you have filled out the intake form on the website before purchasing this, ensure your child meets the specific criteria required for participation, and ensure you have received a confirmation email of your teens' acceptance to the sessions. (Cost includes GST)
Pre-teen Social Group Fall 2023
CA$480.00
Sign your child up for our social skill/fun groups running through fall/winter 2023 (see dates above) for ages 9-12. 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, and ensure you have received confirmation of acceptance to the fall/winter cycle. (Price includes GST)