NOTE: Major Funding Update - We are approved to direct bill FSCD (as of Feb 2024). More information below (scroll down).
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Payment options (once approved):
1) EFT full amount to [email protected]
2) Cash
3) FSCD - direct bill if added to your contract - simply share the addendum with us and we will direct bill FSCD
Please fill out the intake form below (on this page) to apply (if new to our programs) and we will contact you asap after receiving it. If your child/teen is returning, simply email us talk to us to confirm. Thank you!
Social Building/Fun Groups
We are planning to continue to run our 6 session cycles in the future and are open to both new and returning participants. If you are new to our programming, fill out an intake form (below) or if returning, email us to see about a potential spot!
NOTE: These child/teen social/fun group sessions are NOT the PEERS sessions.
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 [email protected] to express your interest. Make a payment to hold that spot for your child or if you have an active FSCD contract, and have the program added to your contract, share that confirmation with us and we will direct bill for that cycle.
My teen has been attending the social skills group for awhile now and it has been amazing!!! First off, rarely does he ever want to join group activities/clubs and definitely never signs up to do a session another time. No matter what it is. It has given him a sense of belonging and his social skills are improving all the time. I highly recommend looking into it for your kiddos, they are even looking to start a group for younger kiddos as well as ADHD group. We have been able to get the full session cost covered by FSCD which has been very helpful as well."
MAJOR UPDATE ON FUNDING/SUPPORT THROUGH FSCD:
NEW: As of February 1, 2024, CMoore in Education can now DIRECT BILL FSCD and that can be a huge help for families. The process would be for the family to ask the caseworker if the program can be added to their family contract (aligning with the child's goals). If that is approved, you simply let us know via verbally or through email and CMoore in Education will send you an invoice to sign/approve and we will send it to FSCD for direct billing. You do NOT have to pay out of pocket and be reimbursed.
As of May 8th, 2023, 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.
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: As of February 1, 2024, CMoore in Education can now DIRECT BILL FSCD and that can be a huge help for families. The process would be for the family to ask the caseworker if the program can be added to their family contract (aligning with the child's goals). If that is approved, you simply let us know via verbally or through email and CMoore in Education will send you an invoice to sign/approve and we will send it to FSCD for direct billing. You do NOT have to pay out of pocket and be reimbursed.
As of May 8th, 2023, 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.
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
We are currently running our 2025 PEERs program and plan to run a new 14 week round of PEERs in Sept 2026 again. If you think this would benefit your teen, reach out to your caseworker now to see if approval can be made now in preparation.
PEERS Program: Formal Social Skill Program for Teens
(Autism focused but open to any participant wanting these skills)
*NOTE: This group is different from our Social Skill/fun groups
FALL 2025 DATES ANNOUNCED!! Please consider contacting your FSCD caseworker if you are interested or pay privately (no FSCD contract) and secure your spot now! Limited spots! 14 week program.
Wednesday Evenings: 7pm-8:15pm
Sept 17, 24, Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov 5, 12, 29, 26, Dec 3, 10, and 17th/2025
NOTE: We are accepting applications for a fall PEERs group as well now. Fill out the intake form below if interested in finding out more or signing your teen up.
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Who is this for? Teens aged 13-17 (autism focused but open to any participant wanting to improve social skills and unlock these skills)
OVERALL FOCUS: Learn How to Make and Keep Friends: Making and keeping friends can be hard for everyone, but it can be a special challenge for autistic teens.
What is PEERS? PEERS is a world-renowned, evidence-based social skills program for autistic teens. Developed by UCLA researchers, it is delivered by certified trainers in over 80 countries around the world and now including Grande Prairie, AB.
In this 14-week program, young adults with autism, with the help of their social coaches*, will learn how to:
-Use appropriate conversational skills
-Choose appropriate friends
-Appropriately/Safely use electronic forms of communication
-Use humor and assess humor feedback
-Start, enter, and exit conversations between peers
-Organize successful get-togethers with friends
-Develop romantic relationships and use appropriate dating etiquette
-Handle arguments and disagreements with friends and in relationships
-Handle rejection, teasing, bullying, and rumors/gossip
*Social coaches (a parent, a support worker, an adult sibling, a friend, etc.) will learn effective coaching techniques to reinforce the weekly learning. Note: Parent/social coaches are not required to attend the sessions with the teen but can provide support at home for the weekly practicing of skills.
Is PEERS for You?
-Participants must be 13-17 years old
-Must have academic skills at grade 6 or higher
-Verbal abilities to handle fast-paced instruction
-Motivation to attend
-Must have at least one parent, legal guardian or 'social coach' consistently available to actively support the follow up/practice suggested each week
LOCATION:
FALL 2025: 106C 8805 Resources Road (Back of Hayes Fry Law - Railtown in GP, AB) (At Bloom Learning)
REGISTRATION: FALL 2025 PEERS PROGRAM REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
NOTE: An initial screening assessment will be conducted to ensure the appropriateness of the program application. Please fill in an intake form on this page to inquire and to apply.
INVESTMENT
A $1600 registration fee is due upon acceptance to the program (unless you have it preapproved in your FSCD contract and we will direct bill FSCD the entirety of the fee). Please contact C.Moore in Education through email initially to discuss the full program cost. If cost is a barrier, we will work with you to find a suitable solution. The full program cost may be covered by health benefits or FSCD.
NEW: Online participation now available for an investment of $800 (half the in person investment). Contact us if you are interested in this option. We will provide the zoom link for your teen to use to join us. Same dates. *Not recorded sessions for privacy. NOTE: You are welcome to join us in person for the 'graduation celebration' if you choose online.
Wednesday Evenings: 7pm-8:15pm
Sept 17, 24, Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov 5, 12, 29, 26, Dec 3, 10, and 17th/2025
NOTE: We are accepting applications for a fall PEERs group as well now. Fill out the intake form below if interested in finding out more or signing your teen up.
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Who is this for? Teens aged 13-17 (autism focused but open to any participant wanting to improve social skills and unlock these skills)
OVERALL FOCUS: Learn How to Make and Keep Friends: Making and keeping friends can be hard for everyone, but it can be a special challenge for autistic teens.
What is PEERS? PEERS is a world-renowned, evidence-based social skills program for autistic teens. Developed by UCLA researchers, it is delivered by certified trainers in over 80 countries around the world and now including Grande Prairie, AB.
In this 14-week program, young adults with autism, with the help of their social coaches*, will learn how to:
-Use appropriate conversational skills
-Choose appropriate friends
-Appropriately/Safely use electronic forms of communication
-Use humor and assess humor feedback
-Start, enter, and exit conversations between peers
-Organize successful get-togethers with friends
-Develop romantic relationships and use appropriate dating etiquette
-Handle arguments and disagreements with friends and in relationships
-Handle rejection, teasing, bullying, and rumors/gossip
*Social coaches (a parent, a support worker, an adult sibling, a friend, etc.) will learn effective coaching techniques to reinforce the weekly learning. Note: Parent/social coaches are not required to attend the sessions with the teen but can provide support at home for the weekly practicing of skills.
Is PEERS for You?
-Participants must be 13-17 years old
-Must have academic skills at grade 6 or higher
-Verbal abilities to handle fast-paced instruction
-Motivation to attend
-Must have at least one parent, legal guardian or 'social coach' consistently available to actively support the follow up/practice suggested each week
LOCATION:
FALL 2025: 106C 8805 Resources Road (Back of Hayes Fry Law - Railtown in GP, AB) (At Bloom Learning)
REGISTRATION: FALL 2025 PEERS PROGRAM REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
NOTE: An initial screening assessment will be conducted to ensure the appropriateness of the program application. Please fill in an intake form on this page to inquire and to apply.
INVESTMENT
A $1600 registration fee is due upon acceptance to the program (unless you have it preapproved in your FSCD contract and we will direct bill FSCD the entirety of the fee). Please contact C.Moore in Education through email initially to discuss the full program cost. If cost is a barrier, we will work with you to find a suitable solution. The full program cost may be covered by health benefits or FSCD.
NEW: Online participation now available for an investment of $800 (half the in person investment). Contact us if you are interested in this option. We will provide the zoom link for your teen to use to join us. Same dates. *Not recorded sessions for privacy. NOTE: You are welcome to join us in person for the 'graduation celebration' if you choose online.
The value these facilitators bring is not quantifiable, however directly impacts our child's quality of life. (Parent Quote)
My boy, 9, went this summer and LOVED it! He had so much fun. Got in the car and was non stop laughing about the games they played and the kids he met. We are planning to do another session!" |
My son has went to two cycles run by CMoore in Education and enjoyed them both. I noticed improvements in his abilities to carry on a conversation with his family and peers. Carmen and Rochelle are wonderful with our kiddos!" |
I have noticed my child's confidence increase for the first time in a long time. We will definitely register for the next session. Thank you!" |
I think their groups are the best ones out there!" |
Its been life changing for my son's desire for connection with his peers!"
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! |
GENERAL INFORMATION
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 autistic pre-teens/teens 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 (*if in the process of getting a diagnosis, let us know - we want to serve who needs it)
-be between the ages of 13-17 (inclusive) or 9-12 or 6-8 years old
-have verbal abilities to keep up with some conversation and direction
-must be a willing participant (being nervous or uncertain is completely understandable especially at the beginning)
-must not exhibit any behaviours that may harm self or others (for safety of all participants) *including offensive/inappropriate verbal harassment
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.
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How to pay for these sessions to hold your spot before getting confirmation on acceptance:
The cost of the groups are to be paid in advance to hold your child's spot and must be paid at time of registration/acceptance: Each fee paid (EFT) to [email protected]. If your child misses any sessions for any reason, there will not be a refund.
*If you prefer to pay with a credit card or interac, simply let us know and you can use the pay terminal (in person) (NEW) or cash.
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 and Kev's Kids for some funding provided! We are so grateful. Thank you as well to Costco, Save-on Foods, Superstore, Co-op 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 is 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 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.
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 autistic pre-teens/teens 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 (*if in the process of getting a diagnosis, let us know - we want to serve who needs it)
-be between the ages of 13-17 (inclusive) or 9-12 or 6-8 years old
-have verbal abilities to keep up with some conversation and direction
-must be a willing participant (being nervous or uncertain is completely understandable especially at the beginning)
-must not exhibit any behaviours that may harm self or others (for safety of all participants) *including offensive/inappropriate verbal harassment
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.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How to pay for these sessions to hold your spot before getting confirmation on acceptance:
The cost of the groups are to be paid in advance to hold your child's spot and must be paid at time of registration/acceptance: Each fee paid (EFT) to [email protected]. If your child misses any sessions for any reason, there will not be a refund.
*If you prefer to pay with a credit card or interac, simply let us know and you can use the pay terminal (in person) (NEW) or cash.
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 and Kev's Kids for some funding provided! We are so grateful. Thank you as well to Costco, Save-on Foods, Superstore, Co-op 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 is 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 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)