Children
Social Skills Groups
The purpose of this program is to help participants have an understanding of social thinking skills, appropriate conversational skills, and friendship skills, to promote successful social outcomes.
Each 12 week program consists of lessons, modelling, engaging activities and meaningful interactions in a small groups learning environment.
Please note that the completion of Level 2 Conversational Skills is a prerequisite to attending Level 3 Friendship Skills.
Skills & Topics Covered
Our social skills groups are offered across three progressive levels, allowing children and teens to build skills in a developmentally appropriate way
Level 1: Social Thinking (Ages 4–7)
This foundational group helps young children build awareness of thoughts, feelings, and social cues, while learning how their behaviour impacts others.
Key skill areas include:
Understanding thoughts, feelings, and emotions
Reading social cues and body language
Whole Body Listening and attention skills
Flexible thinking and coping with change
Turn-taking, joining play, and sharing
Managing impulses and big emotions
Problem-solving and conflict resolution
Level 2: Conversational Skills (Ages 8–15)
This level focuses on building confident, respectful, and age-appropriate conversation skills across in-person and digital settings.
Key skill areas include:
Trading information and finding common interests
Listening skills and perspective-taking
Starting, joining, and ending conversations
Using humor appropriately
Managing disagreements and apologizing
Assertive communication and self-expression
Social communication in texting and phone use
Level 3: Friendship Skills (Ages 8–15)
This advanced group supports children and teens in developing and maintaining healthy friendships while navigating peer dynamics.
Key skill areas include:
Understanding friendship stages and expectations
Building and maintaining positive peer relationships
Personal space, boundaries, and respect
Handling teasing, rumours, and peer conflict
Problem-solving and repairing relationships
Managing peer pressure and bullying
Improving peer perceptions
Managing competition and frustration
Hosting and visiting social expectations
Program Overview & Cost
One two-hour parent orientation session
12 Weekly 90-Minute Sessions
Total program cost: $1,200
FSCD Funding
Our social skills groups can be funded Family Supports for Children with Disabilities (FSCD). Families with an active FSCD contract may speak with their FSCD caseworker to request approval to apply funding toward this program.
FSCD Coverage: $930.68
Parent Portion: $269.32
FSCD funding approval is determined by FSCD and must be arranged directly with your caseworker.
WINTER 2026 Program Schedule
Registration closes: January 6, 2026 at 11:59PM (or when groups reach capacity)
Ages 4-7
Level 1: Social Thinking
When: Sunday, January 11, 2026 to March 29, 2026
Time: 9:00am to 10:30am
Online Parent Orientation: Saturday, January 10 from 9:00am-11:00am
Ages 8-11
Level 2: Conversational Skills
When: Sunday, January 11, 2026 to March 29, 2026
Time: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Online Parent Orientation: Saturday, January 10 from 11:00am-1:00pm
Level 3: Friendship Making Skills
When: Sunday, January 11, 2026 to March 29, 2026
Time: 3:00pm to 4:30pm
Online Parent Orientation: Saturday, January 10 from 1:00pm-3:00pm
Ages 12-15
Level 2: Conversational Skills
Dates: Sunday, Sunday, January 11, 2026 to March 29, 2026
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Online Parent Orientation: Saturday, January 10 from 11:00am-1:00pm
Level 3: Friendship Skills
Dates: Sunday, Sunday, January 11, 2026 to March 29, 2026
Time: 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Online Parent Orientation: Saturday, January 10 from 1:00pm-3:00pm
Next Steps After Submitting This Registration Form
1. Complete Intake & Consent Forms
You will receive a welcome email from Jane (our secure booking platform) with instructions to access your online profile (for new families). You will also receive a separate email requesting completion of the Intake & Consent Form, including credit card authorization.
2. Submit Deposit to Confirm Registration
Your child’s spot is confirmed once the Intake & Consent Form is completed and the non-refundable deposit of $269.32 has been paid. An invoice will be issued through Jane.
Payment options:
E-transfer to admin@childpsychologicalservices.ca
Credit card on file (please contact the office; a 2.4% processing fee applies)
3. Receive Your Child’s Group Schedule
Once the deposit has been processed, your child’s group schedule will be added to your Jane profile. You will receive an automatic email notification when this is complete.
4. Parent Orientation Details
You will receive an automatic Jane notification and a Google Calendar invitation with the virtual link for the Parent Orientation, scheduled for Saturday, January 10, 2026.
5. Final Program Payment
The remaining program balance of $930.68 is due no later than 12:00 PM on January 7, 2026.
Payment options:
E-transfer to admin@childpsychologicalservices.ca
Credit card on file (a 2.4% processing fee applies)
Please note: If payment has not been received by 12:00 PM on January 7, the credit card on file will be charged automatically (2.4% processing fee applies).
Frequent Asked Questions (FAQs):
Does my child have to complete the lowest level for their age group before progressing to the next level?
Children may register for Levels 1 and 2 if they are within the age range and are verbal. However, Level 2 must be completed before enrolling in Level 3.
Can my child register in a level if they are not in the age group?
Exceptions may be made based on what is best suited to your child’s developmental level. For example, a 7 or 12-year-old may be placed in the 8–11 age group, and a 16-year-old may be placed in the 12–15 group. Please contact our office via email (admin@childpsychologicalservices.ca) to seek an exception or for more information.What if I cannot attend the Parent Orientation?
Please notify the office via email as soon as possibleWhat if my child cannot attend one of the classes?
Please notify the office via email as soon as possible. There are no make-up classes, but the group facilitator is available by email or after classes to answer any questions.Is parent involvement required?
Yes. Parent involvement is a core component of this program as the program is designed to help parents understand the skills being taught and how to support their child’s progress outside of group sessions.Does my child need a diagnosis to participate?
A formal diagnosis is not required. These groups are appropriate for children and teens who experience challenges with social communication, social interaction, social problem solving, and making and keeping friendships.
How many children are in each group?
Groups are intentionally kept small to support individualized attention, active participation, and meaningful skill practice. Each group includes no more than 10 children.
Is the program covered by insurance?
Many extended health benefit plans provide coverage for this program under psychological services. Coverage varies by provider and plan. Receipts are provided for reimbursement purposes.What is the cancellation or refund policy?
Due to the structured nature of group programming, refunds are not provided once the program has begun. Parents receive a complete set of program handouts at the start of the program.