Please note a correction to the Extended Needs Services (ENS) Article. ENS is not offered across all of Ontario. CTN delivers ENS in York Region on behalf of Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. The article has been updated. Thank you. | | Recognizing Health Awareness Dates in May | |
This May, CTN recognizes several health awareness dates that are reflective of the communities and families we serve. These include:
- National Physiotherapy Month
- Pediatric Feeding Disorder Month
- Speech and Hearing Awareness Month
- Mental Health Awareness Month
- National Youth Week (May 1st - 7th)
- National Nursing Week (May 11th - 17th)
During this month, it’s important to acknowledge and celebrate the dedicated professionals who help make a difference in the lives of kids and youth every day, including physiotherapists, speech-language pathologists, nurses and other clinicians. Read about each observance and access resources on our website.
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| Ontario Announces Annualized Funding for Extensive Needs Service | Ontario has announced annualized funding for the Extensive Needs Service (ENS) as part of the 2026 Ontario Budget. This investment supports long-term stability for coordinated care for kids and youth with urgent and complex developmental needs. ENS supports around 1,100 kids, youth and families each year through more than 30 community and regional organizations. CTN delivers ENS in York Region on behalf of Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. Annualized funding means our ENS team can continue to provide kids and families with coordinated service planning, medication management, specialized behavioural support, social work including counselling and access to professionals like occupational therapists and speech language pathologists. | | |
| Starting May 12th! Online Self-Regulation Parenting Course | Do you want to build self-regulation skills and strategies to support your child? Parents and caregivers can join CTN's upcoming Shanker Self-Reg Parenting Course, facilitated by CTN’s Child and Family Wellness Program. This five-week, online course will take place on Tuesdays from May 12th to June 9th from 5 to 6:30 p.m. It will discuss the underlying causes of behaviour, how stress affects mood and behaviour, when and how to manage your own energy and tension and how to use self-regulation strategies in real-life scenarios. Registration is still open - secure your spot today! | | |
| Let's Make Music! New Music Therapy Group for Preschoolers in Barrie | Did you know that music therapy helps kids with their communication, motor, play and social skills?This June, preschoolers and their caregivers can join CTN for a new, four-week group music therapy series! Move, play, sing and explore sounds with your child in a fun and interactive setting. The series is led by our CTN Child and Family Wellness Program Coordinator and Music Therapist. Every Monday morning in June, starting June 1st. | | |
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CTN kids, youth and their families are invited to join the Child and Family Wellness Program for Wellness in the Woods, formerly known as Mood Walks. Spend time in nature on accessible trails at a comfortable pace. Connect with other CTN families and enjoy time together.
You can explore accessible equipment options for outdoor experiences through CTN’s Equipment Loan Program.
| | Free Upcoming Events and Webinars | | |
Youth Week Cooking Class at Longos in Kleinburg
Thursday, May 7, 2026
from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Join us for a Cooking Class at Longo's Kleinburg to celebrate Youth Week! This event is targeted for youth
ages 12+ with disabilities and developmental needs.
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National AccessAbility Week - Sensory Swim
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Join CTN and the Township of King for a sensory swim for kids and youth with disabilities and developmental needs and their families. Drop in at the Zancor Centre.
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Nature Babies with Rewilding Education
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
from 1 to 3 p.m.
Parents and their babies can join us for an outdoor adventure to experience the wonders of the natural world and to connect with other caregivers.
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Introduction to Gardening with Rewilding Education
Thursday, June 11, 2026
from 5 to 6 p.m.
Kids and youth can enjoy a unique outdoor opportunity to discover the wonders of the forest and engage in unstructured, imaginative play.
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Focus on Families: Transition to Adulthood
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
from 12 to 1 p.m.
Join CTN and guest speaker, Anna Bruno, from Partners for Planning for a practical webinar about navigating the important transition to adulthood.
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Sibshops at Pickleplex in Barrie
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
from 5 to 7 p.m.
Siblings can enjoy a night out for a pickleball lesson and game, followed by some fun, dinner and sibling-related discussions in the party room.
| | | | Our network calendar features events hosted by CTN, our partner organizations and other local community agencies that may be of interest to your family. New workshops, programs and events are added each week. Visit the calendar on our website for more events! | | Our Family Resource, Education and Support Hub (FRESH) Facebook Group is a dedicated platform for parents, caregivers and guardians of all kids and youth accessing services and support through CTN. It creates an online community where families can connect. Read more on our website. | | Our four-part Caring for the Caregiver video series provides caregivers with skills and strategies that can be used in their day-to-day lives. Videos can be watched at your own viewing pace, individually or as part of the series. Learn more and watch the videos on our website. | | This video explores the challenges unpaid caregivers face and the power of taking a break through respite care. Hear real stories from caregivers and discover tools, supports and why taking a break is essential to your well-being. Watch the video on our website. | | Connect is a monthly newsletter for families of kids and youth with disabilities and developmental needs and the service providers who support them. If you want to share feedback, have story ideas or want to volunteer to write an article, please email info@ctnsy.ca. | |
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If you have any questions about your child's development or want to learn about
the services available in the communities we serve, please call 1-866-377-0286.
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Better Together: A vibrant community where all kids, youth and families belong. | | Disclaimer: This information is provided for general purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Content may change without notice and we are not liable for any reliance on this information. While we strive to keep information current, we make no representations or warranties regarding its accuracy, completeness, quality, timeliness, or suitability and assume no obligation to update the content. The views expressed are those of the Children’s Treatment Network and do not necessarily reflect those of the Province of Ontario. | | | | |
