Service Navigator Supports - Pre-School

The SmartStart Hub at John McGivney Children’s Centre is one-stop point of entry for anyone with concerns about their child/youth’s development and would like to explore available options and supports. The John McGivney Children's Centre's (JMCC) Family Services Department includes social workers and service coordinators.

Development Services are for families and caregivers who may be concerned about one or more of these areas:

• a child/youth’s ability to move around
• a child/youth’s ability to perform daily activities such as feeding/eating
• a child/youth’s ability to understand other people or tell people what they want
• a child/youth’s ability to get along with others, or the way their development impacts their ability to participate in activities

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Autism Services can offer therapy, services and support to children with autism and their families, delivered by qualified, caring professionals to help children and youth thrive at home, school and in their community.

Autism Services at JMCC could include:

• Foundational Family Services
• Core Clinical Services
• Caregiver Mediated Early Years Services

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Entry to School supports children who are entering kindergarten or Grade 1 for the first time and their families. This program is by invitation only. To find out if you qualify for these programs, please inquire through AccessOAP or through the Ontario Autism Program. 

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Connections provides integrated support, learning and early identification and intervention services to advance the healthy development of families and their children 0 – 6 years of age in Windsor-Essex County.

Programs include:

• Talk2Me (Speech and Language)
• Infant Hearing Program
• Blind/Low Vision Early Intervention Program
• Be Back Soon Program
• OAP Caregiver Mediated Early Years Program

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Children First offers a range of services promoting optimum development for children and to enhance a parent’s confidence and capacity to support their child’s developmental needs. Families whose children have or are at risk for developmental concerns can self-refer to Children First. 

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Family Respite Services works with families in Windsor/Essex County who are caring for individuals under the age of 18 who have intellectual, physical, or mental health challenges. FRS works in partnership with families who have children with disabilities to coordinate support and provide short breaks that strengthen families and contribute to children having meaningful lives in their community. Family Respite Services welcomes families to inquire about respite supports by calling their office at 519-972-9688.

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AccessOAP is an independent intake organization funded by the Government of Ontario to help families access the supports and services of the Ontario Autism Program. Through an online family portal and with the support of care coordinators, families can see what service options are available to them and be supported in choosing and accessing the OAP services that best suit their needs. To access their services children must be registered with an AccessOAP account.

OAP Services for students before they start school could include:

1. Families who are registered in the OAP can access Foundational Family Services at any point based on their child’s needs, at no cost.
2. Caregiver-mediated Early Years programs support eligible families with children between 12-48 months of age.
3. The Entry to School program is available to young children between three to six years of age prior to starting kindergarten or grade one for the first time- by invitation only.
4. Urgent Response Service is available to eligible children and youth registered in the OAP who have an immediate and urgent need.
5. Core Clinical Services are available to families based on the sequential order they registered with the OAP. OAP core clinical services and supports include:

• • applied behaviour analysis,
  • speech-language pathology,
  • occupational therapy,
  • mental health services, including counselling and/or psychotherapy, and
  • technology, program materials, and/or therapy equipment recommended by an eligible regulated professional.

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Autism Ontario offers unique, local autism programs and services designed to support children and youth reach their potential. Our staff and volunteers have extensive knowledge and experience in the field of autism and are great sources of information on a variety of autism related topics as well as local services and supports.

They can offer support in key areas that include:

• Access OAP, Family Supports
• Community Events
• March Break Funding
• Summer Support Funding
• Transitional Resources
• New Diagnosis Resources

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Parent/caregiver support groups focused on strategies at home fostering confidence and resiliency. Programs are offered as weekly sessions during different seasons of the year and can be found on their website. 

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This program delivers child/youth and family centered service to children and youth with FASD and/or suspected FASD between 0-18 (21 if in school) and their families within Windsor-Essex County. A formal diagnosis is not required to access services. As part of this program, you will be connected to an FASD social worker who will support in a number of areas.

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Assists children or youth and their families with the coordination of services within Windsor Essex. This is a voluntary service for children or youth with multiple and/or complex special needs, who are under the age of 18, or between the ages of 18 and 21 and remain in school. Coordinated Service Planning connects families with the right services within Windsor Essex and monitor how children and youth are working through their service plan. Agencies throughout Windsor Essex can refer to the CSP at HDGH. Further, if a parent or caregiver believes they could benefit from the program, they can reach into the CSP coordinators at 519-257-KIDS (5437). View Referral Package. 

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As part of the needs-based Ontario Autism Program (OAP), urgent responses services (URS) will provide time-limited services and supports for up to 12-weeks to respond rapidly to a specific, identified need to stabilize and prevent crisis and reduce the risk of harm to self, others and/or property. This program has very specific criteria for approval and time sensitive. For additional information please click here. Parents/guardians can also call in-take at 519-257-KIDS (5437).

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Summit Centre for Preschool Children with Autism

The Summit Centre offers programs for children and families. They also offer virtual parent support groups and parent in-person group sessions. All information can be found on their website. For enrollment information please contact 519-255-1195.

In-person parent/guardian sessions include:

• Unity is a 12-week parent training program where parents and their children attend together at the Centre. This program is designed to show parents how to engage and teach their children. Parents learn proven teaching strategies and then share these new strategies with the other people in their lives. (Children must have a diagnosis of autism to be eligible for this program).
• Play Group welcomes parents and children join us as we explore and connect during our Play Group. Our staff will lead you through a variety of activities tailored to children’s unique needs and interests. Join us as we journey through discovery, laughter, and growth as we celebrate every achievement. (Children with a suspicion or high risk of autism are welcome, as well as those with a diagnosis).

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