Root & Gather
an Outdoor Social Emotional Learning Group
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** Groups run Saturdays from 9:30-11:00am**
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The group will run for 6 consecutive weeks once a group fills up. If you cannot attend a session ahead of time, the session can be made up in the following semester.
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A semester will begin once a group has been filled.
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Register below to save a spot in the next group
Program
Details
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The goal of this group is to provide a continuously evolving, neurodiversity-affirming, safe space for all children to play and learn, where they can advocate for their needs, be their most authentic selves, and socialize with peers.
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This group is suitable for children aged 5-10. We are working hard to create more groups for younger and older kids—stay tuned! If your child is outside this age window but you think it would be the right fit developmentally, please register and email us to discuss further.
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The program is a six-session social emotional learning building program conducted outdoors—rain or shine! Parents are encouraged to attend the last 15 minutes of sessions to participate in the wrap-up. Each semester includes a virtual parent-only session.
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Sessions will be located in Bragg Creek, just a short 2-minute, 1.5 km drive from the town center.
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The total cost of the semester is $775. For those with FSCD funding, the reimbursement amount is $700, and the family contribution is $75. ***If you are trying to get approved by your coordinator and are having trouble, please reach out so I can support you.
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Enrollment Process: After completing this registration form, you will receive an email within 48 hours with the intake form, which outlines consent and liability, along with an invoice for payment. Please note that your child's spot in the group is not confirmed until the intake is completed, consent and liability forms are signed, and payment is received in full.
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Additional information can be found on the registration form. If you have any questions, concerns, or inquiries, please email info@risepediatrics.com.
Each session will include:
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Arrival, movement-focused play as a group, connection building, and sensory/nervous system regulation.
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Introduction to the session's social emotional learning theme with a short activity based on the neurodiversity-affirming curriculum SandeSea Bridge created by Katrina Martin at Bridges Learning Systems.
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Loose parts play with individual building, supply and tool sharing, space negotiation, and small group work, weaving the session's theme and other social emotional learning into real play interactions.
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Team-building activities incorporating individual creations into a larger play scheme, fostering collaboration, idea sharing, and problem-solving.
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Team clean-up.
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Shared snack (homemade, provided by the therapist), conversation around social emotional learning using examples from the session and discussion about today's Sea Bridge Curriculum topics for parents to hear
Philosophy
The program integrates autistic lived experiences, evidence-based interventions and frameworks, including:​
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Neurodiversity-Affirming Social emotional learning curriculum developed by Katrina Martin at Bridges Learning Systems
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The double empathy problem (neurotypical kids need to understand neurodiverse kids better and vice versa to create stronger social skills in everyone)
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Loose parts theory (Loose parts are any collection of open-ended natural or manmade objects that children can move, combine, transform, take apart, redesign, and line up, in ways that support, extend, and further, their ideas while playing.)
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Polyvagal theory for social engagement
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Sensory processing for regulation
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Nature-based therapy for regulation
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Play-based approach
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Developmental strengths-based approach
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Understanding neurotypical social 'norms' and concepts from social thinking curriculum
Parent Participation ​
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A dedicated parent-only virtual session with OT will include how children are being taught about neurodivergent social communication styles and Allistic (non-autistic) social communication styles, how to meet their individual sensory and regulation needs and also engage with a peer socially as well as a Q&A period.
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Take-home sheets with conversation starters will facilitate discussions about the child's experiences.
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Parents will participate in the gathering and wrap-up during the last 15 minutes of sessions 1-5.
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Parents will be invited to observe their child during the last 30 minutes of session 6.