How to Prepare Your Autistic Child for Kindergarten in Ontario

The Ontario Autism Program's Foundational Family Services include an Entry to School program available to all families registered with the OAP. This program helps prepare autistic children for the school environment through social skills development, routine building, and sensory preparation. The program also educates parents about the school system, IEP rights, and how to communicate effectively with school staff.

The Entry to School program is delivered by OAP-approved service providers at no cost to families. It is available regardless of whether the child has been invited to core clinical services. Parents should contact their regional OAP provider or the OAP Call Centre at 1-833-425-2445 to register for the program, ideally 6-12 months before the anticipated school start date.

Parents should contact the receiving school's principal and the school board's special education department in the winter or spring before kindergarten entry. Request an IPRC meeting or a school-based team meeting to begin developing an IEP. Bring the child's diagnostic assessment, any therapy reports, and a summary of current supports and strategies that work well at home or in childcare settings.

Many boards offer transition visits where the child can visit the classroom, meet the teacher, and become familiar with the school environment before the first day. Some boards also have transition protocols that include information sharing between preschool providers and the school. Parents should ask about these specifically and advocate for a gradual entry schedule if the child needs additional time to adjust.