Inclusive Recreation Programs

The SCDSB offers a variety of inclusive social and recreational programs for students with a developmental profile consistent with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The programs focus on using recreation, music, coding, problem solving, and play to support social skills development. Programs are typically run in fall, winter and spring sessions.

Parents/guardians are an important part of the programs and will receive resources and support to help the children develop and practice new skills at home and at school.

Information regarding the programs is outlined below. When available, information and applications for upcoming sessions are posted on this page as well.

Upcoming session details

Coding and Robotics Club

Tuesdays, April 7 - May 5, virtual
Session One – 4:30 to 6 p.m.
Wednesdays, April 8 - May 6, virtual
Session Two – 4:30 to 6 p.m.
Thursdays, April 9 - May 7, virtual
Session Three – 4:30 to 6 p.m.
Session Four - 4:30 to 6 p.m.

Apply for the Coding and Robotics Club

Journey to Success Social Skills Program

Wednesdays, April 8 - May 13, virtual
Session One – 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Session Two – 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Apply for the Journey to Success program

Music Social Skills Program

Wednesdays, April 8 - May 27, Andrew Hunter ES, Barrie
Session One – 4:15 to 5 p.m.
Session Two - 5:15 to 6 p.m.

Apply for the Music Social Skills Program

Recreation Social Skills Program

Tuesdays, April 7 - May 26, Ferndale Woods ES, Barrie
Session One – 4:15 to 5 p.m.
Session Two – 5:15 to 6 p.m.
Wednesdays, April 8 - May 27, Codrington PS, Barrie
Session Three – 4:15 to 5 p.m.
Session Four – 5 to 5:45 p.m.

Apply for the Recreation Social Skills Program

SIBSHOPS Workshops for Children of Siblings with Special Education Needs

Wednesdays, May 6-27, Forest Hill PS, Midhurst
Session One – 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Apply for the SIBSHOPS program or contact Deanna Buchmayer at [email protected]

Applications for the above programs will close on March 31 at 4 p.m.

Limited spaces are available. Completion of the application form does not guarantee enrolment into the program. You may be contacted for a telephone interview or screening session to assess if the program is appropriate for your child.

Program details

The Coding and Robotics Club is a program where children with a developmental profile consistent with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)can build friendships through shared interests in coding, robotics, and technology.

Each session blends collaborative robotics activities, coding challenges, and engaging social games that foster cooperation, conversation, turn taking, and perseverance.

Parents/guardians receive take-home strategies to continue supporting their child’s learning.

Topics of instruction

introduction to coding skills (sequences, loops, and events)
computation problem-solving strategies
pattern recognition
troubleshooting and fixing errors
robot-themed literacy and math tasks
online and robot-based activities
action songs and crafts
unplugged computational thinking
coding games

Participation requirements

child must have a developmental profile consistent with ASD
child is able to attend weekly virtual sessions for five weeks
shows emerging social skills and an interest in peer connections

The program is fully subsidized by the SCDSB and facilitated by LEARNstyle Coding and Robotics Trainers and SCDSB staff.

The Journey to Success Social Skills program is a fun, interactive virtual program where children with a developmental profile consistent with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) learn problem-solving and communication through teamwork-based activities. Each session provides opportunities to build confidence, adapt to challenges, and practice important life skills.

Parents/guardians also receive strategies to support continued skill development at home.

Workshop goals

problem solving
communication
adaptability
time management
social skills
sensory integration

Participation requirements

child must have a developmental profile consistent with ASD
child is able to attend weekly virtual sessions for six weeks
shows emerging social skills and an interest in connecting with peers

The program is fully subsidized by the SCDSB and facilitated by Tia Services.

The Music Social Skills program is a musical journey for children with developmental profile consistent with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Through rhythm, movement, songs, and instrument play, students learn emotional understanding and meaningful social skills—all in an upbeat group setting.

Parents/guardians attend one dedicated info session and receive practical strategies to support their young musicians beyond the program.

Topics of instruction

impulse control, turn-taking, and waiting
following instructions
talking and playing with others
joining conversations and activities
identifying emotions
understanding feelings in different situations
choosing strategies to manage emotions
solving social problems

Participation requirements

child must have a developmental profile consistent with ASD
child is able to attend weekly in-person sessions for an eight-week period
shows emerging social skills and an interest in connecting with peers

The program is fully subsidized by the SCDSB and facilitated by Music Therapy Services of Simcoe County.

The Recreation program is an engaging experience designed to support children with a developmental profile consistent with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in building gross motor skills and meaningful social connections.

Each week, children are immersed in hands on learning, exciting movement activities, and cooperative games. This joyful, structured environment helps students practice communication, teamwork, flexibility, and emotional skills—while simply having fun.

Parents/guardians play an important role and are supported with strategies to help young athletes continue their success at home and school.

Topics of instruction

talking and playing with others
joining conversations and activities
coping with mistakes, change, or uncertainty
asking for help in new situations
solving social problems
recognizing emotions in themselves and others
expressing feelings in healthy ways
managing feelings like anger or anxiety

Participation requirements

child must have a developmental profile consistent with ASD
child is able to attend weekly in-person sessions for eight weeks
shows emerging social skills and an interest in peer relationships

The program is fully subsidized by the SCDSB and facilitated by Shawn Delaire, Level 1 Coach and SCDSB staff.

The SIBSHOPs program is an interactive in-person experience where siblings of children with disabilities or developmental needs come together to bond, have fun, and share their stories. This supportive group helps children feel seen, understood, and connected with peers who 'get it'. Dinner and snacks will be provided.

Workshop Goals

fun games and activites
new friendships
connecting with peers who share similar experiences
discovering shared interests
self-discovery and self-expression
learning from others' stories and strategies

Participation Requirements

active participation, listening, and following directions
ability to work independently with limited support
group is designed for siblings without developmental needs

The program is fully subsidized by the SCDSB and facilitated by Children’s Treatment Network (CTN).