School Programs
The education programs at Niagara Children’s Centre School are full-day, interdisciplinary intervention programs for children with complex needs who require a specific period (typically one to two years) of specialized educational programming supported by therapeutic consultation.
The academic programming, based on the Ontario curriculum, focuses on the acquisition of early literacy and numeracy skills. Strategies determined by physical, occupational and speech language pathologists are integrated into the student's day to support their participation in educational programming. Therapy is provided by professional therapists working in consultation with the classroom team of special education teachers and educational assistants.
The learning environments are uniquely designed to meet the needs of the specific learners, and to maximize each student's potential to develop academic, physical, social and communication skills. Each student is encouraged to develop self-esteem, self-advocacy, independence and personal responsibility.
Transportation is provided for students accepted to attend the Niagara Children's Centre School Authority. Bus times vary depending on the distance between the home address and the school. Please be aware that a student's bus ride may take considerably longer than a direct car ride to the school due to the number of stops along the route.
Following the short-term placement, students and families are supported in transitioning to an appropriate community school placement.
Who Can Refer a Student?
Referrals are accepted from the Niagara Children's Centre, community agencies and co-terminus school boards.
Preschool Referrals: Students who have never attended school, and are eligible to attend kindergarten in the application school year will be considered for placement if program eligibility is met. Children and their families currently working with Niagara Children's Centre therapy teams will receive support in completing the application where appropriate.
School-based Referrals: Students of school-age and currently attending a community school will be considered for placement if program eligibility is met. Families should speak with the school Resource Teacher or Principal to discuss the application. NCCSA works closely with school board teams around the application process, and they will be equipped to assist in completing the application if appropriate.
Program Eligibility
Students applying for admission to the Niagara Children's Centre School must meet eligibility criteria. 
Admission Timelines
Applications for the following school year are open between mid-January and received up until the March Break each year. Applications may be considered during other times during the school year only if spaces are available within our programs.
For any questions, or to discuss a specific application, please contact Jennifer Gibbs, Special Education Consultant at 905-688-1890 ext. 232, or by email at jennifer.gibbs@niagarachildrenscentre.com.