After School Respite Pilot Project

Description:

Exciting News! 

Community Living Kingston’s Family Support Division was awarded an Ontario Trillium Grant for a project that we have been working on over the past couple of years.  The After School Respite Pilot Project began in February 2010 and will run through to June 2010.  The second half of the program will run in from September to December 2010.  There is space for 10 students per day.  Families can enroll the student for partial or full weeks.  The fee is $12/day or $50/week.  The program runs 2:45pm to 5:15pm five days a week except on school breaks, PA days and summer. 

There will be two staff from CLK on site at KCVI plus a Coordinator who will be responsible for assessing the needs and organizing the activities both in the classroom and out in the community for students with intellectual disabilities (aged 14 – 20) who are enrolled in the program.  The model of support will be a combination of direct and peer mentoring support.  Enrolled students will be matched by specific criteria with either placement students from St. Lawrence College and Queen’s University, volunteers and staff to pursue activities in the community.   The program participants will benefit from opportunities for social interaction, community awareness, physical activity, artistic development and skills development.    Students will start and end their after school program at KCVI .  There is a designated classroom for the program near the front door of the high school.  Transportation from high schools in the Kingston community will be arranged to drop students off at the front door of  KCV I where students will be met by program staff.  Upon checking in to the classroom, students will head out for activities.  We will be accessing many of the amenities on the Queen’s campus.  There will be activities available within the designated classroom at the school for those times when there is a change in plans as well.   

Applications will be accepted starting January 4^th and until the program reaches its maximum occupancy.  Families will be notified once a decision is made about the program’s ability to accommodate the placement.  Students will be selected by a committee based upon criteria that includes compatibility and days requested.  There is an expectation that the participants follow a general code of conduct while participating in the program to ensure the safety of other participants, staff, students and volunteers.  Given that many of the potential participants require respite because they cannot be left at home alone, we will strive to accommodate special considerations whenever possible.  

Please contact the project coordinator with any questions or concerns.

 Click here to access the application form.