We serve children as young as 2 years of age.

No diagnosis is required to attend our program. Our teaching approach is grounded in the science of learning and focuses on meeting each child where they are. The program is thoughtfully designed for children who experience challenges or barriers to learning and would benefit from an individualized, play-based, and supportive environment built on respectful relationships.

However, a formal autism diagnosis is required to access and use Autism Funding through the province.

Although our program is located in Surrey School District elementary schools, children do not need to live in the Surrey catchment area or be enrolled in the district to attend.

What if my child will be attending kindergarten in a different district?

Our Transition Support Team has formed a strong relationship with the Surrey School District, and has also worked collaboratively with several other local school districts and private schools. We are happy to discuss transition planning on a case-by-case basis to ensure a smooth start to school.

We understand that scheduling can be a challenge for families. However, we are not able to offer modified schedules outside of our set program times.

Our program is considered full-time and runs Monday to Friday. Children attend for 2.5 hours each day, for a total of 12.5 hours per week.

We strive to keep the process fair and transparent for all families. We encourage families to reach out, ask questions, and visit one of our classrooms before making a decision.

As classrooms fill up, spaces are offered based on when families complete each step of the intake process. This includes timely responses to emails, submission of required forms, and completed intake paperwork. Families who complete these steps promptly may move up the waitlist.

Please note: If you are using Autism Funding (AFU), a completed Request to Pay form and all intake paperwork must be submitted at least two weeks before your child’s start date.

Our program runs Monday to Friday and offers two sessions:

• Morning session: 8:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

• Afternoon session: 11:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.

Families will be offered a space in either the morning or afternoon program based on availability.

We understand that starting Kindergarten is a big step, and we’re here to help make that transition as smooth as possible. Our program includes opportunities for your child to visit and spend time in a typical Kindergarten classroom as part of their preparation.

In addition, families can choose to participate in our Kindergarten Transition Program. If you opt in, one of our Behaviour Consultants in our Transition Support Team will work directly with your child’s new school team in their catchment elementary school to ensure a successful start in the new classroom.

While intensive support is provided during the first few weeks of September, collaborative support will continue throughout the first year your child is in elementary school.

To read more about our Kindergarten Transition Support Program, click here.

Our program is designed to support the skills children need to thrive in Kindergarten. Through ongoing collaboration with school district staff—including special education teachers, Kindergarten teachers, and other professionals—we stay closely aligned with what’s most helpful for a successful school start.

Using this input, along with science-based best practices, we focus on building foundational skills such as communication, emotional regulation, and early learning routines. Just as importantly, we work to foster a positive relationship with learning and the school environment.

We believe that when children feel happy, safe, and supported, they will thrive!

We believe that strong communication with families is key to supporting each child’s success. Parents are invited to meet with the school team once a month to review progress, discuss individualized goals, share family priorities, and plan together for next steps.

Families also have the option to receive weekly video updates, showing their child engaging in program activities and classroom routines.

In addition, a formal progress report is provided each semester. This report outlines your child’s individualized goals and includes a summary of their current progress in each area.

Absolutely! Parents are always welcome to request a meeting with the program team to discuss any concerns, share priorities, or request changes to the program. We’re here to work together and ensure your child’s needs are being met.

First Connections does not provide home-based services. However, consultants through Semiahmoo Behaviour Analysts, Inc. (SBAI) do. If you are interested in home-based services, you can inquire using the button below.

We’re excited to learn more about your child and have them join our program! To get started, please schedule a free consultation with us using the link below, or feel free to email us at firstconnections@sbai.ca.