Our Programs
Meaningful Learning for Every Child
Stepping Stone to Kindergarten
We’re excited to launch our Getting Ready for Kindergarten Program for ages 3–5, designed especially for children with autism. This program focuses on building confidence, Kindergarten readiness, social skills, emotional regulation, and the foundations needed for a smooth transition into the school system.
Our program includes but not limited to:
✔️ Kindergarten readiness routines & early academics
✔️ Full Day, AM & PM options
✔️ Sensory Room
✔️ Daily 1:1 support
✔️ Social Skills, Communication, and Emotional Regulation
✔️ Toileting and Food Awareness
Why Families Choose
VanCity Social Learners Academy?
✅ Autism-Informed, Family-Centered Approach
• Learning routines, structure, and predictability to reduce anxiety
• Visual schedules, first-then boards, and transition support
• Sensory-friendly spaces & calming tools
• Emotion coaching and self-regulation strategies
• Positive behaviour support and gentle guidance.
✅ Dedicated Sensory Room
•Our new space includes a beautiful Sensory Room designed to
help children calm, regulate, and explore in meaningful ways.
✅ Skills Your Child Will Develop
•Functional communication (verbal or AAC)
•Emotional regulation and coping strategies
•Social interaction and group participation
•Fine-motor and pre-academic skills
•Independence skills: dressing, toileting, eating routines
•Kindergarten readiness: circle time, routines, instructions, attention.
✅ Collaboration With Families
•Daily communication & updates
•Monthly progress notes
•Parent check-ins
•Goal-setting together
•Open to collaboration with SLPs, OTs, BIs & Behaviour Consultants
✅ Experienced, Trusted Educators
• 10+ years of experience working with children with autism
•8+ years in the Burnaby School District supporting diverse learners
•Education Assistants, ECE background, autism-specific training, PBS, and trauma-informed practices
•Childcare First Aid & CPR certification
•We lead with compassion, experience, and a deep love for the work we do.
.✅ Funding & Flexibility
•We accept Autism Funding Units
• Flexible scheduling options
•Central, accessible Kingsway location
🟩 Social Skills Development
(sharing, turn-taking, group play)
🟩 Communication Skills
(verbal, non-verbal, AAC-friendly support)
🟩 Life Skills & Daily Routines
🟩 Building Friendships & positive peer interactions
🟩 Emotional Regulation & coping strategies
🟩 Confidence-building activities
🟩 Problem-solving & flexible thinking
🟩 Activities that support independence & self-help
🟩 Sensory play + calming time in our
Dedicated Sensory Room
🟩 Creative arts, STEM, games & structured group activities
Weekend Connection Program
Ages 4 and up - Saturday and Sunday
Our Weekend Connection Program is designed to support children with autism in a warm, structured, and sensory-friendly environment. Offered every Saturday and Sunday, this program focuses on helping children build meaningful connections while developing essential life skills at their own pace.
Through group learning, individualized support, and play-based activities, children work on social skills, communication, emotional regulation, problem-solving, independence, and friendship-building.
Each child receives guidance tailored to their unique needs, ensuring they feel safe, supported, and understood.With a combination of ABA-inspired strategies, visual supports, and time in our dedicated sensory room, we help children build confidence, learn new skills, and strengthen their ability to connect with others.
Our goal is to create a positive, encouraging space where children can thrive and where families feel supported every step of the way.
Connection. Confidence. Community.
After-School Programs
Our after-school programs are thoughtfully designed to support children with diverse learning needs. Stay tuned — we will be launching our after-school program very soon!
VanCity Social Learners Winter Camp
📅 December 27, 2025 – January 3, 2026
New Years Day - (Closed January 1)
Our Winter Camp offers a fun and engaging week of socializing, creative arts and crafts, group games, and hands-on activities. Children will also work on important skills such as communication, social interaction, emotional regulation, and confidence-building — all in a warm, supportive, and sensory-friendly environment.
Where Fun Meets Learning
❄️ Social Skills Development (sharing, turn-taking, group play)
❄️ Communication Skills (verbal, non-verbal, AAC-friendly support)
❄️ Life Skills & Daily Routines
❄️ Building Friendships & positive peer interactions
❄️ Emotional Regulation & coping strategies
❄️ Confidence-building activities
❄️ Problem-solving & flexible thinking
❄️ Activities that support independence & self-help
❄️ Sensory play + calming time in our Dedicated Sensory Room
❄️ Creative arts, STEM, games & structured group activities
SPRING AND SUMMER CAMPS
Our Spring and Summer Camp dates will be announced soon! We’re putting the finishing touches on fun, engaging, and skill-building programs designed for children with diverse learning needs. Registration details will be updated shortly — stay tuned!
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