Community Programs
What does it mean to be part of a community?
It’s building meaningful and lasting relationships, possessing the skills to perform the basic tasks expected of all of us, and having the self-confidence to smoothly navigate social situations. Every one of us deserves the chance to be an active part of our community in a way that works best for us. Our community programs for youth provide engaging environments in which these skills are taught, practiced, and mastered in small group settings.
Groups are inclusive, age-matched, and specific to target skill areas. While designed and led by our therapists, our community programs for youth are not classified as therapy. Parents call these programs ‘enrichment sessions,’ while our preference at TCS is to refer to them as playdates with a purpose. Be it a group of two or a group of five, we aspire to facilitate kids’ ability to showcase and build upon skills already learned in school, at home, or in private therapy. Simultaneously, we provide an environment in which new friendships are created and our community is strengthened.
Registration is now closed for Summer 2021
Check back for Fall 2021 Offerings
Play Pals
Play is the number one job of children! These play groups include a combination of structured and unstructured play opportunities in small groups of peers. Age-appropriate social skills will be incorporated to all play groups.
Ages: Two groups forming: one group for children entering kindergarten; one group for children entering grades 1-2
Group size: Up to 4 children.
Program structure: Entering K: Mondays 1:30-2:30pm, June 7-July 19
Entering grades 1-2: Mondays 12:30pm-1:30pm, June 7-July 19
Cost: $200 per 6-week session
How to enroll: Registration closed
Language for Littles
A combination of structured literacy, language, movement, music, art, and play to target comprehension and use of language, storytelling, recalling information, and improving listening skills for memory and comprehension. A different theme each week!
Ages: Entering grades K-2
Group size: Up to 4 participants
Program structure: Fridays 10-11 am, June 11 – July 30
Cost: $300 per 8-week session
How to enroll: Registration closed
LEGO League
You’ve never seen LEGOs like this before! More than simply building with friends, we use a specific research-based approach to provide meaningful social opportunities using LEGOs. Children learn to successfully navigate communication differences, work together, and self-advocate all while having fun!
Ages: 8-10 years old
Group Size: 3 participants
Program structure: Thursdays 9-10 am, June 17 – August 5
Cost: $300 per 8-week session.
How to enroll: Registration closed
Literacy and Language Book Club
Ages: Entering grades 3-5
Group size: Up to 4 participants
Program structure: Mondays 4:30-5:30 pm, June 14 – August 2
Cost: $300 per 8-week session
How to enroll: Registration closed
Ausomely Autistic
Led by an autistic occupational therapist, this group is specifically designed to develop positive self-identity in autistic youth. The group will explore what it means to be autistic (use of identity-affirming rather than person-first language is intentional, as this is preferred by the majority of the autistic community). We will explore sensory and communication differences, positive autistic role models, regulation and coping strategies, and more.
Ages: 9-12 years
Group Size: Up to 5 participants
Program structure: Tuesdays 2:30-3:30 pm, June 15 – July 20
Cost: $200 per 6-week session.
How to enroll: Registration closed
Capability Club
This social opportunities group is designed specifically for middle school students. Using participant-led, unstructured activities, the program is designed to facilitate development in the areas of self-advocacy, emotional regulation, and meaningful social participation grounded in the neurodiversity paradigm. Emphasis will be on understanding a variety of communication styles.
Ages: Middle school (ages 10-13 yrs)
Group Size: Up to 5 participants
Program structure: Fridays 5-6 pm, June 18-July 23
Cost: $200 per 6-week session.
How to enroll: Registration closed
Adulting Adventures
As children grow into teens, the “real world” gets closer (and scarier!). We provide a low-pressure, fun, and social environment for teens and young adults to begin to explore independent living skills and to learn about “adulting.” Each 8-week program consists of sessions at TCS, as well as community outings to practice real-world skills like grocery shopping on a budget or navigating a laundromat.
Ages: For ages 14 to young adult
Group size: 4
Program structure: One hour per week for 8 weeks
Cost: $300 per 8-week session
How to enroll: Not enrolling at this time
Wheelie Wonders
This group is designed specifically for children who use a wheelchair or other type of assistive device for mobility in their everyday lives (independently or with assistance). In a small, social environment using play-based activities, participants will work to improve upper body strength, transfer and maneuvering skills, and coordination. Designed and led by a physical therapist.
Ages: 9-12 years. Caregivers encouraged to attend if participant requires assistance.
Group size: Up to 4 participants
Program structure: One hour per week for 6 weeks
Cost: $180 per 6-week session
How to enroll: Not currently enrolling at this time.
Self-Regulation Superstars
This group is designed especially for children who have difficulty managing their emotions. The program includes increasing self-awareness and identifying emotions, as well as identifying and practicing coping skills. Group activities are developmentally appropriate for each age group and presented in a fun, engaging way which embraces neurodiversity. Group designed and led by an occupational therapist.
Ages: Groups available for ages 5-6 years and 7-9 years.
Group size: Up to 4 children.
Program structure: One hour per week for 6 weeks. After school and Saturday morning times available.
Cost: $180 per 6-week session
How to enroll: Not currently enrolling at this time
Hand Helpers
Did you know that handwriting is the most complex task young children are expected to perform? Even just writing their name requires more than a dozen separate skills to come together! The way a child learns to write is critical to give them a correct foundation, preventing trouble down the line. Give your child a head start on this critical skill! This program uses research-based, developmentally appropriate approaches emphasizing correct foundational skills while teaching uppercase letters. Parents or caregivers: You are strongly encouraged to attend so that you may further strengthen your child’s skills at home.
Ages: Pre-K (4-5 yrs old not yet in Kindergarten)
Group Size: up to 6 participants
Program Structure: 1 hour per week, 6-week session. Morning or afternoon times available.
Cost: $150 per 6-week session.
How to enroll: Not currently enrolling at this time.
Self-Advocacy Success
Professional communication. Self-advocacy. Handling workplace demands. Finding a job that is the right fit. These skills and more are often challenging for teens and young adults as they enter the workforce for the first time. To help, we are offering this group specifically focused on workplace navigation, for ages 16+.
Ages: 16+
Group Size: up to 5 participants
Program Structure: 1 hour per week, 10-week session.
Cost: $300 per 10-week session.
How to enroll: Contact us for more information