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
- Supporting Mental Health at Home
Spotlighting Excellence, Achievement & Community
- Wellness and Stress Balls for Exam Week
- Ryan’s Work Experience
Events, Program, Services & Updates
- Autism Ontario Central East Region
- Children’s Treatment Network
- Learning Disabilities of York-Simcoe
- YRDSB
Monthly Highlights
YRDSB & Early Intervention Services (EIS) Parent Information Meeting
On January 29, YRDSB Student Services, Curriculum and Instructional Services-Early Years, YRDSB Community Partnership Developers, and our SEAC partner, Early Intervention Services (EIS) partnered to host a family information night 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 2026 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 June 3, 2026 at Cardinal Carter Catholic High School in Aurora. For more information about the awards, please check out the Yes I Can Awards video on YouTube.
Supporting Mental Health at Home
In the Winter newsletter, Embracing Winter: Building Warmth and Resilience, the YRDSB Mental Health team focuses on connection, conversations and healthy habits in the month of February. Check out their newsletter to find out more on mental health supportive resources and events.
Spotlighting Excellence, Achievement & Community
Wellness and Stress Balls for Exam Week
For some secondary students, January signals the approach of end of term exams and students may experience a range of feelings including stress. The students at Milliken Mills High School in the Intensive Community Class took it upon themselves to support their school community by creating stress balls and spreading wellness awareness. Using colorful balloons filled with rice and flour, the students worked collaboratively to assemble dozens of tactile tools designed to help reduce anxiety. To add an extra dose of encouragement, each stress ball was hand-decorated with unique, friendly faces and uplifting expressions. The finished products were displayed at a Good Luck station, accompanied with wellness information including deep breathing techniques, the importance of nutrition, and the benefits of positive self-talk. This initiative fostered a sense of community care and school spirit, modelling how small acts of kindness and shared knowledge can make a big impact on school culture.
Ryan’s Work Experience
"My favourite part is learning something new every day."
"My name is Ryan and I am a student at Bill Crothers Secondary School. I’m a work experience student at Goodyear, and I’ve been there since September and work four days a week. I’ve always wanted to go into construction when I’m older, but since I can’t really do that yet, I decided to try working in a shop. I started last year at Mazda, and I got to work with a lot of great mechanics who helped me learn how cars work. Because of that, I started getting really interested in automotive as a career. Now that I’m at Goodyear, they’ve been teaching me even more about different cars and how they work. It’s been a great experience because we get to work on all types of cars, from high-end ones to budget-friendly ones, and my favourite part is learning something new every day."
Events, Program, Services and Updates
From Autism Ontario Central East Region
Celebrate the Spectrum (CTS)
It’s that time of year to Celebrate the Spectrum with everyone at Autism Ontario. This is a great opportunity to raise awareness, promote inclusion, and support meaningful engagement within school communities.
We also invite you to visit the CTS website to stay up to date on additional activities as they are posted. The site offers a variety of valuable resources, tools, and information to support participation and learning throughout the campaign.
Autism Ontario’s “Celebrate the Spectrum” School Giving Challenge returns April 1st, 2026. Join schools across Ontario throughout the month of April to raise funds, build awareness, and champion inclusion for autistic students and their families. All raised proceeds support Autism Ontario's vital programs and supports in communities across the province.
Celebrate the Spectrum School Giving Challenge is a fun province-wide campaign to learn, participate, and make a meaningful impact. Your school could win a $500 pizza party, a feature in an Autism Ontario publication, and social media spotlight! Register today to receive your digital toolkit and rally your students for a great cause and create
From Children’s Treatment Network
Sensory-Friendly Screening of the New Film, GOAT
- Date: Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026
- Time: Movie will start promptly at 5:30 p.m.
- Location: Imagine Cinemas Elgin Mills (10909 Yonge Street Unit #33, Upper Yonge Place, Lower Level, Yonge St, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 3E3)
Description: Join us at Imagine Cinemas Elgin Mills in Richmond Hill for a sensory-friendly screening of the new film, GOAT. Our group will be the only group in the auditorium. Lights will be turned up and sound will be turned down to ensure a more comfortable and sensory-friendly environment. Register today!
Questions? Contact Stefanie at scuda@ctnsy.ca
Parents and Caregivers Virtual Meet and Greet
- Date: Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026
- Time: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
- Location: Zoom
Description: CTN invites parents and caregivers of kids and youth with disabilities and developmental needs to join a one-hour virtual meet and greet. This welcoming, low-pressure space offers an opportunity to connect with others who understand the unique joys and challenges of caregiving. Register today!
Questions? Contact Niki at nhuxtable@ctnsy.ca
Sensory-Friendly Screening of the New Film, Hoppers
- Date: Thursday, March 12, 2026
- Time: Movie will start promptly at 5:30 p.m.
- Location: Imagine Cinemas Promenade (1 Promenade Circle Promenade Mall, Lower Level Accessible by Promenade Mall Entrance #1, Thornhill, ON L4J 4P8)
Description: Join us at Imagine Cinemas Promenade in Thornhill for a sensory-friendly screening of the new film, Hoppers. Our group will be the only group in the auditorium. Lights will be turned up and sound will be turned down to ensure a more comfortable and sensory-friendly environment. Register today!
Questions? Contact Stefanie at scuda@ctnsy.ca
Magic Show
- Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2026
- Time: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
- Location: Orillia Common Roof (169 Front St S, Orillia ON L3V 4S8, Canada)
Description: Kids and youth with disabilities and developmental needs aged 0-19 are invited to enjoy a Magic Show at the Common Roof in Orillia. Register today!
Questions? Contact Deanna at dbuchmayer@ctnsy.ca
March Break Fun with Seneca College Students
- Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
- Times:
- March Break Fun with Seneca College Students - 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
- Sensory Swim - 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
- Location: Zancor Centre - 1600 15th Sideroad, King City, L7B 1A3
Description: Join us for some March Break fun at the Township of King's Zancor Centre! Seneca College Therapeutic Recreation students will be leading a variety of fun activities to celebrate March Break! Families are welcome to stay after for a sensory swim where there will be reduced capacitates and lower-level music. Register today!
Questions? Contact Stefanie at scuda@ctnsy.ca
Fun Spring Activities with the Georgian College OTA/PTA Program
- Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026
- Time: 1 to 2:30 p.m.
- Location: The Common Roof (165 Ferris Lane, Barrie ON L4M 2Y1)
Description: Join CTN for some fun spring activities, planned by the Georgian College OTA/PTA Program. Kids and youth will have the opportunity to explore six different activity stations: fine motor, gross motor, STEM (Science, technology, engineering and math), art, sensory and fun with food! Register today!
Questions? Contact Deanna at dbuchmayer@ctnsy.ca
Session with Child and Family Therapist, Olivia Holden
- Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
- Time: 12 to 1 p.m.
- Location: Zoom
Description: Join CTN and Child and Family Therapist, Olivia Holden, as we explore how to make peace with your child’s diagnosis. This session is for parents, caregivers and professionals who support families. It offers a calm, safe space to learn, ask questions and explore practical next steps. All diagnoses are welcome. Register today!
Questions? Contact Niki at nhuxtable@ctnsy.ca
From the Learning Disabilities Association of York-Simcoe (LDAYS)
Upcoming Winter 2026 Programs & Services
Social Skills Mark Break Camp (Ages 7-12)
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 16th - 20th, 2026
Location: Aurora
**Full Subsidies Available for low and middle income households (complete the Registration Form to see if your family qualifies).**
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 Heidi at (905) 884-7933 ext. 3 or email heidi.rysan@ldays.org
Homework & Beyond (Ages 8-12)
A drop-in program that blends academic help with social skills coaching in a positive, supportive environment. This program is partially subsidized.
Locations & Times
- Richmond Hill - LDAYS Office (9030 Leslie Street, Unit 216)
- Wednesdays, March 25th - April 29th
- 4:00–6:00 PM
- King Township - King Township Public Library (1970 King Rd)
- Thursdays, May 7th - June 11th
- 4:00–6:00 PM
Outside the 10–12 age range? No problem, we’ll arrange an intake call!
For more information contact Alicia at (905) 884-7933 ext. 6 or email alicia.carter@ldays.org.
SoAR Mindful Transition Program
For students in Grades 7 and 8, and 11 and 12 with LDs and/or ADHD. Build essential skills for school and beyond, study strategies, stress management, self-advocacy, and more. Available in Group Format or One-to-One Sessions.
Group sessions are designed for Grade 7–8 and Grade 11–12 students identified with Learning Disabilities and/or ADHD. The program includes four customized sessions held at the school, each lasting 45–60 minutes, with a 6:1 participant-to-facilitator ratio. If you are interested in bringing this program to your school, we would be happy to discuss how it can be tailored to meet your students’ needs. Contact us to learn more, explore scheduling options, and help your students gain strategies for academic and social success.
One-to-one sessions follow the same four-session structure and are also designed for Grade 7 and 8, also Grade 11 and 12 students with Learning Disabilities and/or ADHD. These individualized sessions are offered either in person at the LDAYS office or virtually, with one participant paired with one facilitator. Sessions run for 45–60 minutes, and evening appointments may be available upon request.
Contact Isabel at 905-884-7933 ext. 7 or email Isabel.khudr@ldays.org
- More information and registration for SoAR Elementary.
- More information and registration for SoAR High School.
Level Up Tutoring (Grades 3-7)
Personalized virtual support in math and literacy, tailored for students with LDs or ADHD. Boost confidence, build skills, and support your child’s learning journey with 1:1 expert tutoring.
Contact Alicia at (905) 884-7933 ext. 6 or email alicia.carter@ldays.org.
Reading Rocks and Jump Math (Ages 8-14)
Targeted, 1:1 literacy and math interventions for students who are at least one year behind in their curriculum. Programs run 8 weeks, twice a week.
Contact Alicia at (905) 884-7933 ext. 6 or email alicia.carter@ldays.org.
Awareness & Advocacy
LD 101 Awareness Presentations – For Schools & Families
Book our 1-hour, interactive sessions for teachers, students, or parents to better understand learning disabilities and how to support all our learners.
Book today: 905-884-7933 ext. 1, info@ldays.org
Champions – Real Stories, Real Impact
Our Champions share powerful personal stories about living and learning with LDs and ADHD. Perfect for school assemblies, events, or community sessions.
Invite a speaker: 905-884-7933 ext. 1, info@ldays.org
Teachers and students are invited to tune into our LDAYS Podcast – LDAYS Plugged In! Join hosts Anthony and Angelica, LDAYS Ambassadors, as they sit down and take you through essential topics in the world of learning disabilities (LDs).
YRDSB
Post-Secondary Education Accessibility Fair
YRDSB and YCDSB will be hosting a Post-Secondary Education Accessibility Fair for Grades 9-12+ students, families, and staff to connect with Admissions, Recruitment, Accessibility, and Student Support Offices. There will be a special presentation, Accessing Support in Post-Secondary: How Accessibility Services Help You Succeed, by the Regional Assessment and Resource Centre (RARC) and information booths from the participating post secondary institutions.
- Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
- Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
- Location: Sir William Mulock Secondary School (705 Columbus Way, Newmarket, ON L3X 2M7)
- Participants: Centennial, Durham, George Brown, Georgian, Guelph, Guelph-Humber, Humber, Laurier, McMaster, Seneca, Skilled Trades Ontario, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), University of Toronto (UofT), Waterloo, Western, York
- Registration
YRDSB Day Program Fair
Students, parents/caregivers and school staff are welcome to attend and meet representatives from 20+ York Region day programs and 4 community agencies. Gather information about the programs offered to help prepare for life after high school: program structure, hours, cost, support ratio, etc.
- Date: Thursday, April 6, 2026
- Time: 6-8 p.m.
- Location: Richmond Green S.S.
- 1 William F. Bell Pkwy, Richmond Hill ON (Leslie and Elgin Mills)
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
- March 5, 2026
- April 16, 2026
- May 7, 2026
- June 4, 2026
