Primer (Group Readiness) Program
Looking for a supportive, inclusive group program to build your child’s readiness for a classroom or group-based environment while supporting their developmental needs?
At Pathways, we recognize that every child connects with others in their own unique way. Rather than focusing on “fixing” social skills, we support children in understanding themselves, building authentic connections, and developing confidence in group settings. We prioritize creating safe, inclusive spaces where each child’s communication style and strengths are respected and celebrated.
What is the Primer Program?
A safe, welcoming program that allows developmentally-young learners to explore a group setting in supported ways. Pathways Primer allows your child to play and explore a classroom-type setting in ways that are enjoyable and appropriate to their own unique needs and abilities. Primer offers a small parent/caregiver + child group environment, professional coaching and guidance, and an inclusive opportunity to support your child’s development towards classroom-readiness.
The Primer program is available to children who are two-to-six years of age and who are not yet ready for larger, group-based learning environments. It is geared specifically for children who still need 1:1 support from a caregiver, but who are needing to gain experience in small group settings. It is the perfect opportunity to help your child develop towards school and/or group program readiness, particularly if they are experiencing differences and/or delays in their development.
The Primer Program is jointly run by a Speech-Language Pathologist and Occupational Therapist. The overall goal of this program is to support students who are not developmentally ready to be independent in groups, and who need support in language development, sensory regulation, following group routines, completing group activities, engaging in circle time and snack time, and general school readiness. Parent/caregiver attendance + participation in each class is required.
Program Details:
Primer sessions are held on Fridays, 1:00-2:15pm through two semesters, September - December and January - June (days off typically follow the school-year calendar).
Clients will be given first access to keep their Primer spot between semesters.
The Primer program does not run in July and August.
The fee for the Primer program is $115 per class (i.e., a 1.25-hour co-treatment class with SLP + OT)
The Primer program is considered a semester-registered program, meaning that clients are considered as registered in the group from September through December and from January through June. The $115 fee is charged PER SESSION to the credit card on file (required) after each session is completed; however, because this is considered a registered group program, the fee will be charged each session whether it is attended or not, to hold your child’s spot in the program. If a child is absent from a Primer session, and we are unable to charge the required fee, the child may be withdrawn from the Primer program and forfeit their spot in the group going forward.
Families are able to withdraw from the Primer program but are required to give 30 days notice from the date they wish to discontinue the program.
For example, if you register in Primer, you and your child will attend starting in September and attending each week until the last scheduled session in December. If you wished to discontinue the Primer program on December 1st, you would be required to provide notice of your withdrawal on or before November 1st.
How to Apply
Primer registration is only open to existing clients of the Pathways Therapy Team. This means that our Primer program is only accessible to internal applications and referrals from within our existing therapy clients. As an existing therapy client at Pathways, our team will have the best ability to understand your child’s abilities, and needs, and make recommendations to join the Primer program when your child is ready. We care about your child’s experience with and success in our programs, and want to be sure your child is fully ready to get the most out of the program!
Most children who are supported by the Primer program benefit from Speech-Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy. Starting with either, or both, of these services at Pathways will be a beneficial way to fully understand your child’s communication and sensory/emotional needs and the general approach our therapy and Primer teams would use to support your child.
If you are interested in the Primer program, reach out to Ally our Program & Advocacy Director to discuss your child and get started with our therapy team. Click the button below or email Ally directly at ally@pathwayslearning.ca.