Free Public Programs in York Region to Support Social Skill Development — And How The Nest Can Help

Helping your child build social skills is a crucial part of their development. Thankfully, York Region offers several free public programs through community centres that can provide wonderful opportunities for children to interact, learn, and grow. At The Nest Family Behaviour Support Services, we understand that navigating these options can feel overwhelming, and we’re here to support families every step of the way.

EarlyON Child and Family Programs

EarlyON centres offer free, inclusive programs for parents, caregivers, and children from birth to six years old. These programs provide play-based learning opportunities that promote social interactions among children while parents connect with Early Learning professionals for guidance and resources tailored to their family's needs. Activities include group play sessions, workshops on child development, and opportunities to meet other families in the community.

How The Nest Can Help: We work with families to identify EarlyON programs that best suit their child's unique needs. We can also provide strategies for parents to support their child during group activities, ensuring a positive experience.

Recreation Subsidies and Programs York Region offers subsidies to ensure all families have access to recreational programs that support social skill development:

• Positive Leisure Activities for Youth (PLAY): This program helps children aged four to 18 access municipal recreation programs throughout the year, including team sports and arts activities that encourage social interaction.

• Summer Day Camp Subsidy: Available for children aged four to 12, this subsidy helps families enroll their children in summer camps, where they can build friendships and practice social skills in a structured environment.

• Youth Overnight Camp Funding: For youth aged 12 to 17, this funding supports attendance at overnight camps, offering immersive experiences that promote independence and social engagement.

How The Nest Can Help: We guide families through the subsidy application process and help identify programs that align with their child's social goals. Our team also offers personalized strategies for parents to reinforce social skills learned during these activities.

Additional Resources Local municipalities within York Region offer a variety of recreational activities and workshops aimed at enhancing children's social skills. Exploring the parks and recreation sections of your local municipality's website can uncover even more opportunities.

How The Nest Can Help: We partner with families to create individualized behaviour support plans that can be applied in these community programs, ensuring children get the most out of every social experience.

Let The Nest Be Your Guide At The Nest Family Behaviour Support Services, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to build meaningful connections with their peers. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping families in York Region access these valuable community programs while providing the tools and support necessary for children to thrive.

If you’d like personalized guidance on navigating these free community resources, reach out to The Nest today. Together, we can help your child take meaningful steps toward social growth and connection.