BREAKING BARRIERS
Peel District School Board's Stay & Play Program builds inclusive spaces for neurodiverse learners

Peel District School Board (PDSB) has successfully concluded its Stay & Play program, an innovative After School Skills Development Program (ASSDP) designed to support students from junior kindergarten to Grade 2 with autism through play-based learning and family engagement. The program, hosted at We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym in Brampton, represents an innovative partnership that has created new opportunities for inclusive education and community building.

Developed in response to family feedback seeking more in-person opportunities for their children, Stay & Play went beyond traditional after-school activities. The program embodied an emotional literacy and social communication asset-based approach, focusing on helping students connect with others while celebrating their authentic selves. Activities focused on recognizing emotions, building relationships, modeling turn-taking, and celebrating successes.

Led by a dedicated multidisciplinary team of educators and specialists, the program offered families the chance to co-learn alongside their children. Parents and caregivers received guidance on functional communication strategies, emotional regulation techniques, and sensory support tools. Whether it was encouraging a parent to follow the lead of their child or demonstrating the power of visuals in aiding communication, the program fostered a holistic learning environment for both students and their families.

Students participating in the program enjoyed a wide range of engaging activities, including:

• High-movement play: Swinging, climbing, sliding, and zipping on specially designed equipment.
• Imaginative play: Exploring creative scenarios with a variety of toys and props.
• Art-based activities: Expressing themselves through visual arts.
• Calming sensory experiences: Utilizing tools like bubble fish tubes, sensory fidgets, and soft ceiling lights in the dedicated calming space.

These experiences were thoughtfully designed to encourage social interaction, build confidence, and support emotional development. We Rock the Spectrum's purpose-built facility provided an ideal setting for these activities, featuring specialized equipment and dedicated spaces that catered to various developmental needs. The facility's inclusive approach reflects PDSB's unwavering commitment to creating supportive and accessible learning environments for every student.

As PDSB prepares to celebrate Global Neurodiversity Celebration Week from March 17-21, the program serves as a shining example of the board's dedication to recognizing, empowering, and uplifting neurodiverse voices. During the week, PDSB will host a series of events and activities designed to celebrate neurodiversity, provide resources for educators and administrators, and continue building a supportive community where every student feels valued and included.

PDSB remains dedicated to expanding its ASSDP offerings to meet the growing demand. With over 350 referrals for ASSDPs, the board is committed to providing more opportunities for students and families to connect, learn, and thrive together. This ongoing effort underscores PDSB's mission to ensure that every student has access to the support and resources they need to succeed.

Quotes:

"This Stay & Play program is a great example of how we're creating inclusive learning environments beyond the traditional classroom environment, and at the same time empowering families to build valuable community connections. We understand that there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to supporting neurodiverse learners. Each student brings their own unique strengths and challenges, and it's our responsibility to design environments and learning opportunities that honour and adapt to those needs, ensuring every student feels seen, valued, and supported."

- Rashmi Swarup, Director of Education, Peel District School Board

"Peel District School Board's Stay & Play program is a testament to our commitment to creating inclusive spaces where students with autism can thrive. By combining play-based learning with family engagement, we're not only supporting students' emotional and social development but also empowering families to build meaningful connections within our community."

- Claudine Scuccato, Superintendent, Special Education, Peel District School Board

"This Stay & Play partnership with We Rock the Spectrum was not just about acquiring new strategies or ideas. It provided students and families with an inclusive space to engage, connect, learn within and celebrate children being their authentic selves. Making connections and co-building community with our autistic students and their families is at the heart PDSB ASSDPs."

- Erica Glover, ASSDP Teacher Facilitator, Peel District School Board