What is the OAP Entry to School Program?

The Entry to School Program is a free, 6-month OAP-funded program for children aged 3-6 entering school. It builds communication, social skills, and classroom routines.

Why does OAP funding change at age 6?

The $22,000 (under 6) and $5,500 (ages 6 to 17) amounts are one-time payments from legacy Interim One-Time Funding, only for children registered by March 31, 2021. They are not the general current Core Clinical Services pathway.

How do I prepare my autistic child for kindergarten in Ontario?

Register for Entry to School. Work with your school board on Identification, Placement, and Review Committee identification. Visit the school and ask about supports like Educational Assistants.

Public information

Autism Services for Preschoolers (3-6 Years) in Ontario: School Readiness Guide

For preschoolers, check Entry to School eligibility and contact the school board early. Keep therapy goals practical: communication, routines, self-care, and school readiness.

Browse the age stages

Direct answer

Preschool (3-6 Years): age range 3-6 years in the Ontario Autism Program. Province-wide, 77.5% of registered children are still waiting for core clinical services.

MCCSS Ontario Autism Program figures as of May 13, 2026, released in response to an Ontario Autism Coalition Freedom of Information request and published by the OAC in July 2026; part of the same bi-weekly OAP Core Clinical Services progress-report series as FOI release CSS2026-0749 (to Mar 4, 2026) and the CBC News FOI investigation (Jun 2024 – Jan 2026). · Verified 2026-08-10

Quick summary

In brief

Preschool (3-6 Years): age range 3-6 years in the Ontario Autism Program.
Key services include ABA Therapy (intensive), Speech-Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy.
Province-wide, 77.5% of registered children are still waiting for core clinical services.

Age Range: 3-6 years; Ontario Autism Program
Province-wide waitlist: 77.5%; MCCSS Ontario Autism Program figures as of May 13, 2026, released in response to an Ontario Autism Coalition Freedom of Information request and published by the OAC in July 2026; part of the same bi-weekly OAP Core Clinical Services progress-report series as FOI release CSS2026-0749 (to Mar 4, 2026) and the CBC News FOI investigation (Jun 2024 – Jan 2026).
Average OAP wait time: 5+ years; OAC Community Survey 2025
Registered province-wide: 91,974; MCCSS Ontario Autism Program figures as of May 13, 2026, released in response to an Ontario Autism Coalition Freedom of Information request and published by the OAC in July 2026; part of the same bi-weekly OAP Core Clinical Services progress-report series as FOI release CSS2026-0749 (to Mar 4, 2026) and the CBC News FOI investigation (Jun 2024 – Jan 2026).

The Preschool (3-6 Years) roadmap: priorities, programs and watch-outs

For preschoolers, check Entry to School eligibility and contact the school board early. Keep therapy goals practical: communication, routines, self-care, and school readiness.

Developmental focus: School readiness skills
Social communication and peer interaction
Emotional regulation
Pre-academic skills
Self-care and independence
Critical considerations and deadlines: Entry to School Program must be accessed before Grade 1
Ask a qualified professional what service intensity fits your child’s needs
School board identification process should begin now
Legacy interim one-time funding is $22,000 under 6 and $5,500 for ages 6 to 17

OAP programs for Preschool (3-6 Years)
Program	Source
Entry to School Program (ages 3-6)	Ontario Autism Program
Legacy Interim One-Time Funding ($22,000 one-time payment under 6; only for children registered by March 31, 2021)	Ontario Autism Program
Core Clinical Services (when invited)	Ontario Autism Program

Key services: ABA Therapy (intensive)
Speech-Language Pathology
Occupational Therapy
Entry to School Program
Social Skills Groups

Frequently asked questions, Preschool (3-6 Years)

: The Entry to School Program is a free, 6-month OAP-funded program for children aged 3-6 entering school. It builds communication, social skills, and classroom routines.
: The $22,000 (under 6) and $5,500 (ages 6 to 17) amounts are one-time payments from legacy Interim One-Time Funding, only for children registered by March 31, 2021. They are not the general current Core Clinical Services pathway.
: Register for Entry to School. Work with your school board on Identification, Placement, and Review Committee identification. Visit the school and ask about supports like Educational Assistants.

Where the waitlist stands

Families navigating autism services in Ontario face a documented multi-year wait. Here is the Ontario data — and a two-minute way to push back, when you are ready.

See where the waitlist stands Email your MPP

Related Resources

Verified references and sources

Official Government Sources

[2024]
Ontario Education Act — Special Education Requirements (IPRC, IEP)
Government of Ontario • Government • 2024-01-01
View
[1998]
Ontario Regulation 181/98 — Identification and Placement of Exceptional Pupils
Government of Ontario • Government • 1998-04-01
View

Watchdog Reports

[2024]
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services: Spending Plan Review
Financial Accountability Office of Ontario (FAO) • Watchdog report • 2024-06-05
View

FOI Records

[2026]
Ontario Autism Program figures as of May 13, 2026 (MCCSS, released under Freedom of Information to the Ontario Autism Coalition; published in the OAC "OAP At A Glance" update, July 2026)
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (Ontario), obtained by the Ontario Autism Coalition • FOI record • 2026-05-13
View

About this page

Check the author’s context, review method, and how to report an error.

Written bySpencer Carroll

Founder & Autism Advocate

Lived experience: Parent of autistic child navigating OAP system