Primer (Pre-Preschool) 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?
All families want their children to grow to be social with others. At Pathways, we understand the fundamental skills children must have in order to successfully engage in group settings. We make sure we support this growth first.
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 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 developmental delays.
The Primer Program is 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, learning to follow 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 Fee
$115 per class (i.e., a 1.25-hour co-treatment class with SLP + OT)
Fees are paid monthly or for a full semester. The exact number of classes in a semester varies (e.g., 16 classes in Sept - Dec 2023).
There are two class time options in each semester:
Class 1 - Fridays, 11:00AM to 12:15PM - CLASS IS FULL.
Class 2 - Fridays, 1:00PM to 2:15PM
Semesters will run from September through December and January through May.
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.