Purposeful Respite That Builds Confidence, Independence, and Life Skills

White Pines Academy's Centre-Based Respite Program is designed for adults (18+) with autism and other developmental and intellectual disabilities who benefit from structured routines, meaningful activities, and individualized support in a safe, welcoming environment.

Our respite program is much more than supervision. Every day follows a predictable routine where learning is naturally woven into each activity. Participants build communication, social, emotional regulation, recreation, and independent living skills while enjoying purposeful activities, community experiences, and meaningful relationships.

Whether attending one day a week or several days each week, participants become part of a caring community where they are encouraged to learn, grow, and reach their full potential.

A Structured Day with Learning Woven Into Every Activity

Consistency and routine help individuals feel confident and successful.

Our days follow a predictable schedule that naturally incorporates learning into every activity. Participants have opportunities to develop communication, emotional regulation, independence, and functional life skills while enjoying recreational experiences that are engaging, meaningful, and fun.

Activities may include:

• Independent Activity Schedules (IAS)
• Fine motor activities
• Gross motor activities
• Reciprocal conversation practice
• Group instruction
• Cooperative group activities
• Arts and crafts
• Baking and cooking
• Music and movement
• Games and recreation
• Daily exercise
• Zones of Regulation and emotional regulation strategies
• Communication development
• Independent living skills
• Community safety and awareness
• Executive functioning skills
• Functional numeracy and money skills
• Reading, writing, and literacy activities (when appropriate)

Community-Based Learning

Learning extends beyond the classroom.

Participants regularly enjoy community outings that provide meaningful opportunities to build confidence, increase independence, and practice social skills in real-life environments.

Community outings may include:

• Innisfil YMCA
• Innisfil Beach Park
• Innisfil Public Library
• Visits with community helpers, including the Fire Hall (when available)
• Nature walks
• Local parks
• Grocery shopping
• Baking and purchasing ingredients
• Restaurants and cafés
• Seasonal community events
• Other educational and recreational outings

Communication at the Core

Whether participants are fully verbal, partially verbal, or non-verbal, communication is always a priority.

Our experienced staff support verbal communication while also encouraging augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems such as PECS and Proloquo2Go when appropriate. Every participant is supported in expanding their current communication skills, building confidence, and developing meaningful social interactions.

Emotional Regulation & Building Independence

Emotional regulation is an important part of every day.

Participants learn to recognize and label emotions using The Zones of Regulation while developing practical strategies to manage emotions, solve problems, and navigate everyday situations successfully.

Throughout the day, participants are encouraged to make choices, solve problems independently, build confidence, and celebrate personal achievements.

Staffing & Support

• Staff-to-student ratio: 1:3 to 1:5 (depending on student needs)
   
• 1:1 support: Available at an additional cost
   
• Additional supports: Peer mentors, community volunteers, and placement students enrich the classroom experience
   
• Personal care: Support is available for students who need assistance with washroom use, though availability may vary on community outings depending on location and staffing

Intake & Requirements

Meet & Greet

Before joining our Centre-Based Respite Program, each participant and their caregiver will complete a one-time meet and greet with White Pines Academy.

This meeting allows us to learn more about the participant’s strengths, interests, communication style, support needs, routines, preferences, and goals while giving families the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about our program.

Meet and greets may take place in person, virtually, or through a combination of both, depending on the needs of the participant and family/caregiver. An in-person meeting may be recommended when appropriate to ensure we have a clear understanding of the participant’s needs and determine whether our program is the right fit.

The meet and greet helps ensure a successful transition into our program and allows us to create a positive experience for both the participant and the group.

Eligibility

Our Centre-Based Respite Program welcomes adults (18+) with autism and/or other developmental or intellectual disabilities who benefit from structured routines, social opportunities, recreation, and skill-building activities.

To ensure the safety, comfort, and success of all participants, individuals must be able to participate safely within a group environment and have a desire to participate in the scheduled activities.

Participants must not exhibit aggressive behaviours or highly disruptive behaviours that may create a safety concern for themselves, other participants, or staff.

Behaviour Support Plans

At White Pines Academy, we recognize that every individual has unique needs, strengths, and ways of communicating.

While students with highly disruptive behaviours and/or extreme aggression are not eligible to attend WPA, individualized behaviour support plans may be created for students who could  benefit from additional support to enhance program success.      

Our goal is always to support participants in building confidence, independence, and the skills needed to thrive.

Ready to Learn, Grow, and Thrive?

Whether your loved one is looking to strengthen communication, build independence, develop meaningful friendships, improve emotional regulation, or simply enjoy engaging and purposeful days in a supportive environment, White Pines Academy's Centre-Based Respite Program offers opportunities for every participant to succeed.