What is the goal of the program?
The Move Learn Grow program delivers a play-based approach to early childhood learning that enhances the development of children with disabilities, emphasizing social integration, emotional well-being, and building long-term life skills.
The program aims to:
- Enhance children’s independence and ability to perform daily tasks.
- Engage and empower families to actively participate in their child’s development.
- Improve physical health and wellbeing.
- Ensure children have fun.
- Foster social skills and build relationships among peers.
- Prepare children for future participation in their communities and schools.
Who is eligible to register?
Move Learn Grow supports children with disabilities aged 0-12 years. Eligible participants will be directed to one of two early learning steams based on the child's age and needs:
-
Skill-Building Stream
-
Engagement Stream
The
Skill-Building Stream promotes the development of specific abilities using a play-based approach to learning and skills development and offers programming for four age groups:
- Sunshine Sprouts (aged 0-2)
- Sensory Explorers (aged 3-5)
- Mind Lab (aged 6-8)
- Communication Club (aged 9-12)
The
Engagement Stream promotes participation and building social connections by exposing kids to new activities and offers programming for four age groups:
- Crafty Kids (aged 3-5)
- Game Masters Level 1 (aged 6-8)
- Game Masters Level 2 (aged 9-12)
- Sensory Scientists (high needs aged 6-12)
When is the program offered?
Move Learn Grow weekly group classes will run from
January 20, 2025 to
March 14, 2025.
Weekly Schedule
0-2 Years Old
- Sunshine Sprouts: Monday 10:30-11:30 AM
3-5 Years Old
- Sensory Explorers: Monday 2:00-3:00 PM, Tuesday 2:30-3:30 PM or Wednesday 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
- Crafty Kids: Monday 3:00-4:00 PM
6-8 Years Old
- Mind Lab: Monday 4:30-5:30 PM or Tuesday 4:00-5:00 PM
- Game Masters Level 1: Wednesday 3:30-4:30 PM
9-12 Years Old
- Communication Club [ Not occuring for Winter session ]
Please note the Communications Club class is no longer available for the Winter 2025 session. If you are interested in future sessions of this class, please contact Move Learn Grow staff at movelearngrow@marchofdimes.ca.
- Game Masters Level 2 [ Not occuring for Winter session ]
6-12 Years Old (High Needs)
- Sensory Scientists [ Not occuring for Winter session ]
Where is the program offered?
Move Learn Grow classes are conducted at 1 Duncan Mill Road, Toronto (York Mills Avenue & Highway 401). The building has free parking and is accessible via TTC.
How much does participation in the program cost?
There is no fee for participating in the program.
How can I register my child for the program?
Registration runs from November 4, 2024 to December 13, 2024. To successfully enroll in one of our classes, please follow these steps:
- Complete the intake form by clicking the registration button below.
- Book your virtual 15-minute occupational therapy assessment using the booking link that we will send to you within five business days of completing the intake form.
- Attend the virtual assessment to understand your child’s needs and match them to the appropriate class.
- Confirm your child’s enrollment in the recommended class.
Please note your child is not considered enrolled in the winter session until they receive an assessment and you confirm your spot in a recommended class.
Registration for the Move Learn Grow winter program is now closed.
What can I expect from the classes?
Eligible participants will be directed to one of two early learning steams based on the child's age and needs:
-
Skill-Building Stream
-
Engagement Stream
While classes are primarily categorized by chronological age, we also consider developmental abilities to ensure appropriate class placement. This approach helps match children with peers who have similar needs and abilities.
All classes are led by occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants with assistance from trained volunteers.
How was the program developed?
Our early learning program, Move Learn Grow, builds on nearly 20 years of children’s programming, using evidence-based practices and the latest educational theories to support the diverse needs of children with disabilities across Canada.
Move Learn Grow was designed by occupational therapists with pediatric experience to support the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth of children with disabilities.
The Move Learn Grow pilot took place from July 9, 2024 to August 23, 2024. Feedback from families who participated in the pilot phase is reflected in the design of the full program to ensure it meets the needs of the children it serves.
Which evidence-based practices are reflected in the program?
It also uses the
CASEL Social Emotional Learning (SEL) framework as a guide to address the gap in opportunities for kids with disabilities. SEL principles help kids understand and manage their emotions, build healthy relationships, and practice their social-emotional skills in a supportive environment.
The program follows the
Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) model of occupational therapy that considers the context of a child’s environment and the tasks they engage in to enable a child’s participation and engagement.
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Fitness: Promoting healthy body structure and function.
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Functioning: Engaging in activities that help increase independence.
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Friends: Promoting participation and building relationships.
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Family: Integrating family in a kid’s learning and future success.
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Fun: Promoting fun and play-based activities.
Additional Questions?
