For child care and schools

Practical, sourced guides for early childhood educators, teachers and educational assistants supporting young autistic children, from routines to IEPs.

Written for early childhood educators, child care supervisors, kindergarten and primary teachers, educational assistants and resource teachers who support autistic children aged about 2 to 8.

Every guide links each fact to its source, dates anything that changes and says how strong the evidence is.

Parents and caregivers: you can share any of these guides with your child's child care program or school.

Supporting an autistic child in child care: a guide for early childhood educatorsPractical help for ECEs with autistic children aged 2 to 5: the room and the day, communication and play, written plans, inclusion programs and the move to kindergarten.18 minute read Worried a child might be autistic? How to talk with parentsNotice and note what you see, talk with the family in private, describe rather than label, and start help that needs no diagnosis. With consent rules and routes by province.13 minute read Visual schedules, First-Then boards and calm spaces for the classroom and playroomGroup and individual visual schedules, First-Then boards, transitions, communication, sensory changes and a calm space the child can always leave, for child care and school staff.13 minute read Meltdowns, biting and big feelings in child care and kindergarten: what staff can doBehaviour is communication. How to prevent meltdowns, keep everyone safe during one, respond to biting and hitting, plan with families and follow the rules on restraint.13 minute read IEPs, IPPs and IIPs for young autistic students: a guide for school teamsIEPs, IPPs and IIPs by province: who writes the plan and by when, working with families and EAs, example kindergarten goals and accommodations that help.18 minute read Sent home, excluded or on a modified day: what child care and school staff need to knowBefore an autistic child is dismissed, excluded, sent home or put on a shorter day, human rights law expects real accommodation first. What that means for staff.14 minute read Educational assistants and young autistic students: making support workThe EA's role, what research says about how assistants are used, and practical ways to give just enough help, fade it and help a student learn alongside classmates.13 minute read

Guides in this topic