Specialized Classrooms | New Beginnings

Program Description

New Beginnings operates three specialized classrooms in partnership with MCCSS and our local school boards. These therapeutic educational environments support students who face significant academic, behavioral, and emotional challenges that prevent them from succeeding in traditional school settings. Each classroom is staffed by a multidisciplinary team and offers a structured, trauma-informed, and individualized approach to learning and social-emotional growth. Offering a variety of supports, youth are assisted in transitioning or reintegrating into community-based education setting.

Key Services Offered

Small-group and individualized instruction in partnership with board-assigned teachers
Daily social-emotional learning and life skills development
Clinical support including counselling, behavior intervention, and crisis support
Individualized education plans with reintegration and transition support
Family engagement and coordination with community agencies
Transportation, meals/snacks, and access to extracurricular programming

Target Population

Transitions: Capacity for 18 youth who are on probation or under the care of the child welfare system, who are unable to attend community school due to behavioural, legal, mental health, or addiction issues.
Compass: For youth who have been expelled from a local school board from their home school due to behavioral or safety issues. Only upon successful completion of the academic and therapeutic requirements of the Compass program may a youth transition back to a community school.
Connections: Youth on short or long-term suspension requiring interim academic and behavioral support

Referral Pathways

Compass & Connections: Referred by GECDSB and WECDSB through the Safe Schools protocol
Transitions: Referred by Youth Probation and/or the Children’s Aid Society
All referrals reviewed by a multidisciplinary intake team for placement

Program Goals/Outcomes

Support academic achievement, credit attainment, and positive re-engagement with learning
Improve emotional regulation, self-awareness, and conflict resolution skills
Prepare students for reintegration into mainstream school, alternative settings, or post-secondary/workforce pathways
Reduce incidents of school refusal, absenteeism, and behavioral escalation
Enhance student self-esteem, coping, and social skills

Contact Information

Kristin Durham

Co-Ordinator of the Attendance Centre and Staff Training

519-971-0973 ext. 122

kdurham@newbe.ca

For more information please contact Kristin the Coordinator or the Attendance Centre.