School’s Cool helps kids like Lincoln navigate big life changes

Starting school can be a challenging transition for young children and their families. For kids with autism and other developmental delays, entering kindergarten often marks their first experience away from their parents or primary caregivers.

This was set to be true for Tracey’s grandson, Lincoln, until they found School’s Cool at Canadian Mothercraft of Ottawa Carleton.

Diagnosed with autism, Lincoln faces unique challenges with transitions, social interactions, and following directions, which made his impending start of school overwhelming for both him and his family.

“It’s hard enough for a neurotypical child to start school. But when you have a child with autism, you’re not sure what to expect.” - Tracey, Lincoln’s grandmother

Tracey and Lincoln had been participating in other programs offered by Mothercraft Ottawa for a while, when one early childhood educator suggested they join the School’s Cool program.

A personalized approach helps each child thrive

Made possible with the support of United Way, School’s Cool is a play-based program that allows children to develop fine motor, social, and self-help skills promoting a successful transition into school. It also provides the whole family with resources and tools they can use at home to feel more confident and to truly enjoy the kindergarten experience.

Educators keep open lines of communication with kids’ caregivers so the program can tailor its approach to meet the individual needs of each child, creating a supportive environment that promotes their growth and development.

“It’s never the same program twice because the children who are in the program, the way they interact, and their unique needs are how the staff plan and build the program.”

- Beth McMillan, Family Outreach and Support Worker, Mothercraft Ottawa

Mothercraft Ottawa has offered this free program to families in Ottawa for 13 years.

But according to Mothercraft Ottawa’s Family Outreach and Support Worker Beth McMillan, stories of families struggling to find accessible, no-cost programs for children with autism are all too common.

“The wait lists in Ontario are at a record high right now,” she explains. “People are without a family doctor and families cannot access various therapies for their children. While waiting, they know they can access [School’s Cool] and have support while preparing for the next stage as their child enters kindergarten.”

Starting school with confidence

United Way East Ontario believes all youth across Prescott-Russell, Ottawa, Lanark County and Renfrew County have the right to a good life, and a safe place to grow up, learn, and make good friends – no matter their personal circumstances.

Now graduated from School’s Cool, Lincoln has started kindergarten with confidence thanks to the day-to-day experiences provided by the educators at Mothercraft Ottawa.

“It’s scary for them to go out in the world with other children who may not understand.”

- Tracey, Lincoln's grandmother

Thanks to this program, much of Tracey’s anxiety about Lincoln has eased as she observes her grandson forming friendships with his classmates and teachers. And we know that this kind of school and relationship success leads to brighter futures for kids.