The Ontario Autism Program (OAP) is a provincially-funded program that offers a range of services and supports to families of children and youth on the autism spectrum. In the needs-based OAP, all children/youth up to age 18 with a written diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from a qualified professional, are eligible to register for the OAP. Families have access to several service pathways and program supports, one of which is the Entry to School (ETS) program.
Further information can be found on the AccessOAP website.
Entry to School (ETS) Program
Introduced in March 2022, the Entry to School (ETS) program is a six-month, group-based, skill-building program for children between the ages of three and six years as of December 31 in the year they are starting school, who are registered in the Ontario Autism Program (OAP). The ETS program is designed to prepare young children with ASD for their first school experience, whether in Kindergarten or Grade One. After completing the group-based program, families and educators can request consultation services from ETS staff during the child's first six months in school. The aim of the ETS transition phase is to ensure a successful start for students and their teachers during this initial educational milestone. In Toronto, ETSis delivered by the Toronto Autism Services Network, which consists of seven agencies: Geneva Centre for Autism, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Surrey Place, Lumenus Community Services, Strides Toronto, SAAAC Autism Center, and Kerry’s Place Autism Services.
Further information can be found on the Ministry’s Ontario Autism Program: entry to school program page.