The following is an update from Jennifer Morris, Assistant Deputy Minister Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS), Children with Special Needs Division about the next steps the ministry is taking to implement the new Ontario Autism Program (OAP):
English Message:
/docs/default-source/default-document-library/ontario-autism-program-update-(english).pdf?sfvrsn=56f47d26_2
French Message:
/docs/default-source/default-document-library/ontario-autism-program-update-(french).pdf?sfvrsn=766aaa0b_2
The MCCSS has been developing the new needs-based, sustainable and family-centred Ontario Autism Program (OAP) since December 2019. The new OAP program includes a broad range of services that will offer families more supports for their children’s specific needs.
In the new needs-based OAP, all children/youth up to age 18 with a written diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from a qualified professional will be eligible to register for the program.
For more information about these upcoming processes please visit the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services website at ontario.ca/Autism.
Call for Applications to Deliver Caregiver- Mediated Early Years Programs in the Ontario Autism Program (OAP)
Two types of early years supports will be offered in the new needs-based OAP. These early years supports will be time-limited supports for young children based on their individual needs and will include:
- Caregiver-mediated early years programs: available for six months, that help young children (1 to 3 years of age) learn new skills and meet individualized goals in the areas of social communication and play, and build caregiver capacity to support their children.
- Entry to school program: a six-month group-based skill-building program for young children (3 to 5 years of age), who are entering school for the first time and will be focused on preparing them to enter school. Following the group-based program, children will receive transition supports as they enter school, and access to consultation for their first six months in school, to support a successful school transition.
The MCCSS is issuing Call for Applications (CFA) to select organizations to deliver caregiver-mediated early years programs. Interested organizations are invited to submit an application by January 29, 2021. Further application submission instructions are outlined on the cover page of the CFA:
Call for Applications – Early Years Program (English):
/docs/default-source/default-document-library/early-years-program-call-for-application-(english).pdf?sfvrsn=b867913f_2
Call for Applications – Early Years Program (French):
/docs/default-source/default-document-library/early-years-program-call-for-applications-(french).pdf?sfvrsn=aa2783c0_2
If you have any questions regarding the CFA, please email [email protected].
In addition to this CFA, MCCSS will be releasing calls for applications/proposals over the coming weeks and months to select organizations to deliver the OAP Independent Intake Organization, the Early Years Entry to School Program and Urgent Response Services. More information about these processes will be shared soon. Information on the selection process for OAP services can be found on this ministry webpage.