Caregiver Mediated Early Years Services
Caregiver Mediated Early Years Services (CMEYS) is a part of the Ontario Autism Program designed to teach families therapeutic strategies to support their young child’s…
Type:
Free OAP Services
Age:
0 – 18 Years
Fees:
Free – Funded by the OAP
Referral:
No referral required
Eligibility:
All families registered with the OAP
Languages offered:
English
Location:
Strides Toronto locations and Zoom virtual platform
Hours:
Hours vary by service types
Inquire Online
Click HereFoundational Family Services is a part of the new needs-based Ontario Autism Program (OAP) designed to provide families and caregivers a range of evidence-based services to support their child and youth’s learning and development. Foundational Family Services will be individualized and responsive to families’ changing needs over time.
All families registered in the OAP are eligible to receive these services and supports at no cost. Strides Toronto is pleased to be offering Foundational Family Services in a variety of formats including virtual, and in-person services. You can choose to access these services at any point based on your family’s needs. There are no limits to the number of times you can register for these services.
We offer a wide range of Foundational Family Services. Coaching is integrated into our various services to support parents and caregivers to implement the recommended strategies and transfer skills.
These services and supports may include:
Workshops and Coaching Sessions
We offer a variety of virtual education opportunities on a wide range of topics. Workshops will be delivered online either through video links or through our Zoom Healthcare video conferencing platform.
Brief Targeted Consultation
This brief service includes parent/caregiver coaching and strategies using Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) principles to address your child/youth’s individual strengths, needs, and goals. Consultations will be offered by phone or by video through our secure Zoom Healthcare platform to help address a specific goal.
Transition Supports
We provide supports and services to promote a smooth transition into the school system and the broader community.
Family Resource and Clinic Days
We have an established parent education curriculum, including training packages to support social communication and behaviour management. Strides Toronto encourages active parent and caregiver engagement and participation to better support your child/youth’s needs.
For more information about Strides Toronto’s Foundational Family Services, please contact 416-438-3697 ext. 19055 or email autism@stridestoronto.ca.
Parents of children with autism experience unique challenges and stressors. These groups are a safe space for parents to meet and discuss topics related to their experiences. Each month, topics are discussed in a forum where families can help support one another and share their opinions and experiences. Sessions are co-led by a parent volunteer and a Strides staff member. Parents and caregivers are welcome to attend any or all six sessions.
Monthly Topic of the Group:
Jan – School Support and Advocacy
Feb – Parental Self-care
Mar – Judgement from Others
Apr – Talking about Autism
May – Changes in Social Interactions
Jun – Celebrations and Moving Forward
**This group is available for parents to attend any or all sessions. You may attend when your schedule permits.**
January 9, 2025
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Virtual through Zoom
Free to families registered with OAP
Available Spots: 30
February 13, 2025
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Virtual through Zoom
Free to families registered with OAP
Available Spots: 30
March 20, 2025
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Virtual through Zoom
Free to families registered with OAP
Available Spots: 30
April 10, 2025
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Virtual through Zoom
Free to families registered with OAP
Available Spots: 30
May 8, 2025
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Virtual through Zoom
Free to families registered with OAP
Available Spots: 30
June 12, 2025
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Virtual through Zoom
Free to families registered with OAP
Available Spots: 30
Date | Time | Location | Cost | Available Spots | Registration |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
January 9, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Virtual through Zoom | Free to families registered with OAP | 30 | Register |
February 13, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Virtual through Zoom | Free to families registered with OAP | 30 | Register |
March 20, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Virtual through Zoom | Free to families registered with OAP | 30 | Register |
April 10, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Virtual through Zoom | Free to families registered with OAP | 30 | Register |
May 8, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Virtual through Zoom | Free to families registered with OAP | 30 | Register |
June 12, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Virtual through Zoom | Free to families registered with OAP | 30 | Register |
Do you need support with reconciling your budget with the OAP? Not sure how to use a PECS system at home? Need help filling out funding forms or just have a question you need answered? We can help with these and more! Sessions are offered virtually and in person and will be up to 60 minutes in duration. Spots limited to 16. First come, first served.
May 12, 2025
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
In Person – 120 Middlefield Rd., Unit 2
Scarborough
Free to families registered with the OAP
Available Spots: 16; First come, first served.
May 16, 2025
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Virtual through ZOOM
Free to families registered with the OAP
Available Spots: 16; First come, first served.
Date | Time | Location | Cost | Available Spots | Registration |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
May 12, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | In Person – 120 Middlefield Rd., Unit 2 Scarborough | Free to families registered with the OAP | 16; First come, first served. | Register |
May 16, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Virtual through ZOOM | Free to families registered with the OAP | 16; First come, first served. | Register |
This webinar expands on concepts covered in the ABA Key Terms workshop. Parents will learn how to select appropriate goals for their children and incorporate teaching into naturally occurring daily routines.
May 16, 2025
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Virtual through Zoom
Free to families registered with the OAP
Available Spots: 30
May 28, 2025
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Virtual through Zoom
Free to families registered with the OAP
Available Spots: 30
Caregivers will learn the functions of behaviour and how to collect data on behaviour. We will also examine the labels we place on behaviour and how to become aware of the variables that influence behaviour. This workshop will also discuss ways parents can engage in their child’s learning and be active in preventing and redirecting challenging behaviours.
May 7, 2025
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Virtual through Zoom
Free to families registered with the OAP
Available Spots: 30
May 22, 2025
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Virtual through Zoom
Free to families registered with the OAP
Available Spots: 30
This workshop will cover a brief history and overview of funding for individuals with autism in Ontario. Topics include the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, Access OAP, school boards and parent engagement.
May 14, 2025
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Virtual through Zoom
Free to families registered with the OAP
Available Spots: 30
May 23, 2025
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Virtual through Zoom
Free to families registered with the OAP
Available Spots: 30
Do you need support with reconciling your budget with the OAP? Not sure how to use a PECS system at home? Need help filling out funding forms or just have a question you need answered? We can help with these and more! Sessions are offered virtually and in person and will be up to 60 minutes in duration. Spots limited to 16. First come, first served.
June 11, 2025
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Virtual through ZOOM
Free to families registered with the OAP
Available Spots: 16; First come, first served.
June 17, 2025
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
In Person – 1940 Eglington Ave E., Suite 300
Scarborough
Free to families registered with the OAP
Available Spots: 16; First come, first served.
Date | Time | Location | Cost | Available Spots | Registration |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
June 11, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Virtual through ZOOM | Free to families registered with the OAP | 16; First come, first served. | Register |
June 17, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | In Person – 1940 Eglington Ave E., Suite 300 Scarborough | Free to families registered with the OAP | 16; First come, first served. | Register |
This workshop focuses on how regulation develops and the importance of teaching your child/youth how to regulate their emotions. Strategies and resources will be provided.
June 5, 2025
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Virtual through Zoom
Free to families registered with the OAP
Available Spots: 30
June 19, 2025
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Virtual through Zoom
Free to families registered with the OAP
Available Spots: 30
In this workshop, caregivers will learn how autism impacts the developmental stages of play. We will also discuss fun and creative ways for caregivers to support their child’s learning during play opportunities.
June 13, 2025
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Virtual through Zoom
Free to families registered with the OAP
Available Spots: 30
June 25, 2025
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Virtual through Zoom
Free to families registered with the OAP
Available Spots: 30
This workshop aims to help parents and caregivers of individuals with autism manage their own stress. Learn how stress affects your mind and body as well as strategies for reducing stress and taking care of yourself.
June 12, 2025
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Virtual through Zoom
Free to families registered with the OAP
Available Spots: 30
June 18, 2025
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Virtual through Zoom
Free to families registered with the OAP
Available Spots: 30
Inquire Online
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