Move Learn Grow – Classes

Move Learn Grow Spring program - group of smiling kids from toddlers to preteens

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. 


Class Descriptions and Schedule

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 – promoting the development of specific abilities using a play-based approach to learning and skills development.
  • Engagement Stream – promoting participation and building social connections by exposing kids to new activities.

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.

Spring Session Class Schedule   

(April 14 - May 30, 2025)

Monday morning
Tuesday morning​ Wednesday morning​ Thursday morning​ Friday morning​
  
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Sensory Explorers
(2-3 yrs)

 

​ 
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Budding Bonds 
(3-5 yrs)
10:30 - 11:30 am
Sunshine Sprouts
(0-18 m)

​ 
Monday afternoon
Tuesday afternoon​ Wednesday afternoon​ Thursday afternoon​ Friday afternoon​
​ 
 
3:30 - 4:30 pm
Playful Pals
(6-8 yrs)

 
4:30 - 5:30 pm
Social Squad
(9-12 yrs)

 
2:00 - 3:00 pm
Sensory Explorers
(4-5 yrs)

 
4:00 - 5:00 pm
Mind Lab​ (6-8 yrs)
 
 
 
 
 
4:00 - 5:00 pm

Sensory Adventures ​ (6-8 yrs)
1:00 - 2:00 pm
Sensory Explorers
(4-5 yrs)

​ 




Spring Session Classes

(April 14 - May 30, 2025)


Skill-Building Stream:


Sunshine Sprouts (aged 0-18 months)

(For children that are not walking yet)

Designed for infants with developmental needs or delays, this class fosters a nurturing environment for both caregiver and child. Parent participation is essential, emphasizing interaction and bonding through engaging activities. Weekly themes focus on family connection and child learning, supporting crucial skill development. Perfect for infants with developmental needs who may benefit from group play opportunities, and for parents looking to connect with other parents.

Highlights:
  • Movement & Motor Skills: Providing activities that can encourage the development of key milestones.
  • Sensory Experiences: Including music, art, and stories.
  • Caregiver Education: On developmental play opportunities for infants.

Note: Parents/caregivers are required to attend and participate.

Schedule: Thursday 10:30-11:30 am

Sensory Explorers (aged 2-3 and 4-5)

Join us on a magical journey where your child will explore and discover their senses through fun-filled activities! Our classes are divided into sessions for 2-3 year-olds and 4-5 year-olds to ensure age-appropriate experiences. Our goal is to help parents and children learn about their sensory experiences and create a safe, fun environment for exploration and growth. Enroll your child today for a sensory adventure that nurtures their development!

Highlights:
  • Engaging Sensory Activities: Focus on individual and multiple senses for a rich experience.
  • Playful Learning: Hands-on play to develop unique sensory preferences.
  • Caregiver Handouts: Tools and tips to continue sensory support at home.

Schedule:  Monday 11:00 am - 12:00 pm  (aged 2-3)
               or Tuesday 2:30 - 3:30 pm  (aged 4-5)
               or Thursday 3:30 - 4:30 pm  (aged 4-5)

 

Mind Lab (aged 6-8)

Enhance self-regulation through fun science activities and experiments. Children will learn to manage their energy levels and build a toolbox of strategies for self-regulation. Ideal for children interested in science. This more advanced class promotes body awareness, self-regulation, and sustained engagement in play.

Highlights:
  • Engaging Science Activities: Understand and practice self-regulation through play.
  • Skill Development: Focused on attention, impulse control, emotion, and self-awareness.
  • Group Learning: Practice skills in a social setting.
Intended for children who have the cognition to understand emotion regulation concepts and can follow instructions with assistance if needed.

Schedule:  Tuesday 4:00 - 5:00 pm 

Sensory Adventurers (aged 6-8)
Perfect for kids with strong sensory preferences, this class offers multi-sensory experiences through playful exploration. Children will learn about sensory opportunities and develop their unique sensory preferences. Our goal is to support sensory processing by creating a safe, playful environment where children can explore and have fun!

Highlights:

  • Multi-Sensory Activities: Engaging experiences to explore and understand their senses through playful exploration.
  • Social opportunities: Engaging in sensory experiences with peers.
  • Caregiver Resources: Tools to support sensory needs at home.

Schedule:  Wednesday 4:00 - 5:00 pm 

Social Squad (aged 9-12)
Enhance your child's social skills through engaging activities with peers! Using play as a medium, children will learn social rules, flexible thinking, turn-taking, and other vital skills.

Highlights:

  • Gross Motor Games: Encourage teamwork and physical activity.
  • Board & Video Games: Promote strategic thinking and cooperation.
  • Craft Projects: Foster creativity and collaboration.
  • Friendship Building: Structured and self-guided opportunities to practice social skills and make new friends with support as needed.
Perfect for children who can follow 1-2 step directions, play simple games, engage in social interactions with support, and communicate in a way that peers can understand.

Schedule:  Monday 4:30 - 5:30 pm 
 

Engagement Stream:


Budding Bonds (aged 3-5)

This engaging class offers a wonderful opportunity for children to interact with peers through games and other activities that promote play. Our primary goal is to encourage engagement in various forms of play, whether it be functional, parallel, or collaborative. We meet children where they are at, ensuring each child feels included and supported.

Highlights:
  • Play Opportunities: A range of fun and accessible activities designed to foster creativity.
  • Indirect Skill Development: Encouraging social interaction and communication.
Perfect for children who are looking for opportunities to explore new ways of playing, make new friends, and play together.

Schedule:  Wednesday 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Playful Pals (aged 6-8)
This dynamic class blends the joy of teamwork games with the opportunity for creative and fun activities, including music, crafts, dance, and drama. Our goal is to support opportunities to engage in various creative teamwork activities in a social group setting.

Highlights:

  • Social-Driven Games: Promote teamwork, physical activity, and fine motor skills.
  • Creative Arts: Explore music, crafts, and drama to unleash imagination.
  • Fun & Nurturing Environment: A space where children can express themselves and have fun.


Schedule:  Monday 3:30 - 4:30 pm


Registration
There is no fee for participating in the program. 

Fill out our online form to register for the Move Learn Grown spring program. 
Registration deadline for the Move Learn Grow spring program is March 14, 2025. Register today!


Questions? 

If you have questions about Move Learn Grow, please visit our FAQ page or contact us at movelearngrow@marchofdimes.ca.