A newsletter to support those in York Region who work with students with exceptional learning strengths & needs.
Content of this Newsletter
- YRDSB & EIS Parent Information Meeting
- Yes I Can! Awards
- Experience Works
- Supporting Mental Health at Home
Spotlighting Excellence, Achievement & Community
- Buddies Not Bullies Buttons
Events, Program, Services & Updates
- Children’s Treatment Network (CTN)
- Learning Disabilities Association of York-Simcoe (LDAYS)
Monthly Highlights
YRDSB & Early Intervention Services (EIS) Parent Information Meeting
On January 28, YRDSB Student Services, Curriculum and Instructional Services-Early Years and our SEAC partner, Early Intervention Services (EIS) partnered to host a family information meeting at Whispering Pines Public School for students transitioning to Kindergarten in the Fall. Participants learned more about the YRDSB Kindergarten program, the transition process to school, and how YRDSB and EIS together support that process.
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) - Yes I Can Awards
The 2025 Yes I Can Awards are now open for nominations from YRDSB staff! The Yes I Can Awards honour children and youth with exceptionalities who shine. CEC has recognized the accomplishments of thousands of students since the program started in 1982.
In York Region, a joint CEC Awards Ceremony is held each spring with the York Region District School Board, York Region Catholic District School Board and the Ontario Council for Exceptional Children. Together, we celebrate the accomplishments of students, while recognizing the educators, staff and parents who teach, support and inspire students with exceptionalities.
The awards ceremony will be held on May 22, 2025 at Richmond Green Secondary School. For more information about the awards, please check out the Yes I Can Awards video on YouTube.
Experience Works
The twentieth edition of the Work Experience and Transition Program newsletter is now available. Check out the amazing stories highlighting the success of students at various work placements throughout York Region.
Supporting Mental Health at Home
In their February newsletter, Wellness at Home, the YRDSB Mental Health team focuses on fostering wellness and connection within the family home. Check out their newsletter to find out more on mental health activities for home, events and resources.
Spotlighting Excellence, Achievement & Community
Buddies Not Bullies Buttons
Students in the Multiple Exceptionalities (ME) class at Milliken Mills High School have been hard at work creating buttons in preparation for Pink Shirt Day, a special event to stand up against bullying. With support from their teachers and classroom team, the students crafted these buttons to promote kindness and inclusion on Pink Shirt Day - Wednesday, February 26, 2025.
These students will distribute their heartfelt creations to fellow students during lunch periods throughout the day. Their goal is to spread the message of kindness and foster a stronger sense of community within the school.
"Our students not only want to be seen but also to feel as though they are a strong part of the school community. What better way to be involved than to participate in sharing what it is they can do ," said Samantha Hutchings, Multiple Exceptionalities Community Classroom teacher.
Events, Program, Services and Updates
Children’s Treatment Network (CTN)
- CTN X STEM Minds Try-It Workshop (Aurora) - Thursday, February 20, 2025 (5 to 6:30 p.m.)
- Free one-and-a-half hour session of STEM fun!
- Puppy Yoga (Markham)- Saturday, February 15, 2025 (11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.)
- For kids and youth ages 8 and up.
- March Break Boredom Busters
- Heartworks Studio in Orillia (Monday, March 10, 2025)- 2 to 4 p.m.
- March Break Bash in Township of King (Thursday, March 13, 2025) - 12 to 2 p.m.
- Spring Bash in Barrie with Georgian College (Friday, March 14, 2025) - 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
- Wet ‘n Scaly Demo at the Wye Marsh (Saturday, March 15, 2025) - 11 a.m.
- Focus on Families—All About Respite (Virtual Webinar)- Wednesday, March 5, 2025 (12 to 1 p.m.)
- Explore the ins and outs of respite care—where to find it, how to access it, funding resources and dealing with all the emotions that come along with it.
- Practical Tools for Shifting to a Wellbeing Mindset (Virtual Webinar) -Thursday, February 20, 2025 (12 to 1 p.m.)
- Featuring Donna Thomson—Caregiver, Author and Award-Winning Educator
- Family Engagement Forum (FEF): Empowering Transitions: Stories for Adulthood Success - Tuesday, February 25, 2025 (6:30 to 8:30 p.m.)
- Join CTN for an engaging panel discussion, with two alumni and a parent, as we explore everything from navigating adult care systems to relationships and life skills.
- Wellness Webinar Series- Coming to Canada - Tuesday, February 25, 2025 (12 to 1:30 p.m.)
- Join CTN and YSSN for a panel event where parents and caregivers of children with disabilities and/or developmental needs, share their stories about moving to Canada and finding support.
From the Learning Disabilities Association of York-Simcoe (LDAYS)
LDAYS remains committed to offering programs, services, and events that support students with learning disabilities and/or ADHD, as well as their families. This winter, we have been actively collaborating with various organizations and educational institutions to raise awareness and share valuable information within the community. As we continue to provide both social and academic resources, along with exciting upcoming events, we’re excited to keep you informed about what’s next! If you are interested in enrolling in our programs, please refer to the corresponding registration links and contact information below. Alternatively, feel free to email us at info@ldays.org or call us at 905-884-7933 for more details!
Upcoming Events
LDAYS Virtual Presentation - Self Compassion: Coping Skills for Stress and Anxiety for Adults with LDs/ADHD
Join us for a 1-hour presentation on Self-Compassion: Coping Skills for Stress and Anxiety, designed for adults with Learning Disabilities (LD) and ADHD. Led by Nicky, a registered psychotherapist with a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, this session will provide practical tools and strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and negative self-talk. Drawing from her own experience as an adult with ADHD, Nicky will focus on fostering self-compassion, building resilience, and developing coping mechanisms to enhance emotional well-being.
This session is especially beneficial for high school students, post-secondary individuals, and adults in the workforce dealing with ADHD and LD. Whether navigating school transitions, adjusting to higher education, or facing career challenges, gain valuable insights to manage daily struggles and improve overall quality of life. Whether seeking personal growth or professional development, this presentation offers meaningful support for those living with ADHD and LD.
Presentation Details:
- Date: February 19th, 2025
- Time: 7PM
- Location: Zoom
- More information and to register
Upcoming Programs and Services
Social Skills 6-Session Program
Our Social Skills Program is designed to help children with Learning Disabilities (LD) and/or ADHD build essential social and emotional skills in a fun, engaging, and interactive environment. Facilitated by accredited social service workers and based on the proven PEERS® curriculum, this program focuses on improving communication, conflict resolution, emotional regulation, and self-esteem. Children will also develop valuable skills like self-advocacy, stress management, and how to handle bullying. The program is for children ages 7-12 who may struggle with social interactions, self-confidence, or peer relationships. With small group sizes and a supportive, positive atmosphere, this program offers the perfect opportunity for your child to gain confidence, make friends, and thrive socially.
Spring:
- Stay Tuned: Sessions will be Available in April 2025.
- Date, Time and Location will be announced in March 2025.
For more information contact Tori at (905) 884-7933 ext. 4 or email tori.bekolay@ldays.org or visit: https://ldays.org/social-skills/
March Break Social Skills Camp – Register Now!
We’re excited to announce that registration is officially open for our Social Skills March Break Camp 2025, designed specifically for students aged 7-12 with Learning Disabilities and ADHD. This engaging camp focuses on building essential social and emotional skills in a safe and supportive environment, helping children gain confidence, make lasting friendships, and navigate social situations with ease.
Camp Highlights:
- Communication Skills: Master how to express themselves clearly, confidently, and effectively in conversations.
- Self-Advocacy & Self-Esteem: Learn to speak up for their needs, building a strong sense of self-worth and empowerment.
- Problem-Solving & Conflict Resolution: Gain the tools to handle challenges creatively, resolve conflicts with peers, and navigate tricky situations.
- Emotional Regulation & Stress Management: Develop skills to manage emotions and cope with stress in healthy, productive ways.
- Bullying Awareness: Understand how to handle bullying with confidence and resilience.
- Friendship Building: Participate in fun, teamwork-driven activities designed to foster meaningful connections and lasting friendships.
Our camp is led by accredited social service workers using the proven PEERS® curriculum, providing a structured yet fun atmosphere where children can grow socially and emotionally. With small group sizes and expert facilitators, children will get personalized attention and support throughout the program. Camp Dates: March 10th - 14th, 2025
- Location: Devins Drive Public School, 70 Devins Drive, Aurora
- Fees: $350 for LDAYS Members and $400 for Non-LDAYS Members **Full Subsidies Available**
- Spaces are limited! Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity for your child to thrive.
- Register Today to see if you qualify for any subsidies: March Break Camp 2025 - Registration
For more information contact Tori at (905) 884-7933 ext. 4 or email tori.bekolay@ldays.org or visit: https://ldays.org/social-skills-copy/
Level Up Tutoring
Our Level Up Tutoring Program offers personalized numeracy and literacy assistance, specifically designed for students in grade 3 to grade 7 with Learning Disabilities or ADHD. With one-on-one virtual sessions, our experienced tutors help your child build confidence, enhance study habits, and develop crucial academic skills in both math and reading. Sessions are tailored to meet your child’s unique learning style, ensuring a more enjoyable and effective learning experience. Enroll now to secure a spot and let’s make this school year the best one yet! More information and Registration
Reading Rocks and Jump Math
Our Reading Rocks and Jump Math are individualized virtual intervention programs designed for students aged 8-14 who are significantly behind in literacy or math due to diagnosed learning disabilities. Reading Rocks focuses on enhancing reading skills through tailored instruction and motivational tactics, while Jump Math emphasizes foundational math skills and confidence-building through 1-to-1 or small group sessions and engaging activities. Both programs run for eight weeks, meeting twice weekly, with a fee structure that includes options for subsidies.
More information and registration for JUMP Math and Reading Rocks
SoAR
The SoAR Program is designed for students in Grades 7-8 or Grades 11-12 diagnosed with Learning Disabilities and/or ADHD, helping them develop vital life skills for academic and vocational success. The program includes tailored sessions focusing on personal development, self-advocacy, stress management, study strategies, and essential job skills, empowering participants to navigate their transitions into high school and post-secondary education or the workforce. Through engaging discussions and activities, students enhance self-awareness and build practical skills to achieve their goals confidently.
The program can be facilitated in a group setting or one to one. Groups are held in class for 4 sessions with 6 participants per group.
- More information and registration for SoAR Elementary.
- More information and registration for SoAR High School.
After School Program: Homework & Beyond
Homework & Beyond is a fully subsidized drop-in program for students ages 10-12 with learning disabilities. It provides academic support and engaging group activities designed to enhance communication skills, recognize individual learning styles, and build self-regulation strategies—all in a supportive environment.
- Dates: March 20th to April 24th, every Thursday from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
- Location: 9030 Leslie Street, Unit 216, Richmond Hill, ON
- For more information contact Alicia at (905) 884-7933 ext. 6 or email alicia.carter@ldays.org.
- Online registration
Important Updates
Our team of Champions share their personal stories of success, their journeys to overcome obstacles, and speak on behalf of youth and their families to increase awareness and knowledge surrounding what it means to learn differently. We are also offering informative LD awareness and educational presentations to help deepen your knowledge and support our community. Interested in having a LDAYS speaker or champion at your school, office, or upcoming special event contact us at info@ldays.org.
Podcast
Check out our podcast, “LDAYS Plugged-In”!
Tune in as our ambassadors from the Learning Disabilities Association of York-Simcoe (LDAYS) dive into essential topics surrounding learning disabilities (LDs). Stay tuned for the upcoming episode, “LDs and The Workplace”, launching this February!
Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) Meetings
The SEAC meets on the first Thursday of every month. All are welcome to attend and observe. For more information about SEAC and our SEAC members, please visit the SEAC webpage.
Upcoming SEAC Meetings
The meeting dates for the remainder of the year are set out below.
- March 6, 2025
- April 3, 2025
- May 1, 2025
- June 12, 2025
