Entry to School Program

Last verified: April 2026. Always confirm details on the official page.

Who is eligible for the Entry to School program

Children ages 3 to 6 (as of December 31 in the year they start school) who are registered with the Ontario Autism Program and entering kindergarten or Grade 1 for the first time. Free. Requires an invitation from AccessOAP.

Eligibility check

Age: 3 to 6 as of December 31 in the year they start school
OAP registered: Yes
Invitation required: Yes, from AccessOAP
Entering school for the first time: Kindergarten or Grade 1
Cost: Free

Programs run on a school year schedule

Groups typically start in March to prepare for September school entry. Some providers run a second cycle in September. If you miss the timing, you wait a full year.

Entry to School is a free, six month, half day group program that helps young autistic children build skills before kindergarten or Grade 1. After the group ends, your child gets individual transition support during their first six months in school.

What does the Entry to School program cover

Six skill areas in a half day group setting, followed by six months of individual transition support once your child starts school. Both your family and your child's educators can access consultation from the program team during that period.

Skill areas covered

Communication
Play
Social interaction
Functional routines (getting dressed, eating, following schedules)
Behavioral self management
Pre academics (early learning skills)

How do I get my child into Entry to School

You do not apply directly. AccessOAP sends invitations to eligible families by email, mail, or through the AccessOAP portal. If you think your child qualifies but you have not heard anything, call AccessOAP.

Timeline

You receive an invitation from AccessOAP
Your child joins a half day group for six months
Your child starts kindergarten or Grade 1
Transition supports continue for the first six months of school

AccessOAP: 1-833-425-2445Central Resource Team: 1-888-444-4530

Can my child have an IEP and Entry to School at the same time

Yes. School supports and OAP are completely separate systems. Your child can have an IEP at school and participate in this program. You cannot receive Entry to School and Core Clinical at the same time, but you can be on the Core Clinical waitlist.

Foundational Family Services — you can use FFS at the same time.
Urgent Response — available at the same time if needed.

What mistakes do families make with Entry to School

Not checking for your invitation. Invitations go out by email and the AccessOAP portal. Check both regularly if your child is approaching school age.

Skipping this because Core Clinical might arrive. If your child is starting school soon and Core Clinical has not arrived yet, this program provides targeted school readiness support you cannot get elsewhere.

Not knowing the program continues into school. The transition supports during the first six months of school are part of the program. Educators can also access consultation from the program team.

Official source

This guide is based on publicly available government information. Always verify with the official page:

Ontario.ca: Entry to School Program

Last verified against official source: April 2026

See something wrong? Let us know · How we maintain this site

What to do next

Request an IEP at your child's school

School based supports your child can get once enrolled. Separate from OAP. No diagnosis required to request one.

See how to request an IEP →

Free workshops and consultations available now. No invitation needed. Use alongside Entry to School.

See how to sign up for FFS →

See all available programs

Make sure you have applied for everything that fits. SSAH, DTC, and ACSD are all separate and can be held at the same time.

See all funding guides →

Not sure what other programs may apply?

Find programs