B.E.S.T.

Better Emotional & Social Times

Grades 3 – 5

The Better Emotional and Social Times (B.E.S.T.) program is a small-group, self-advocacy and coping skills program for children in grades 3-5 who are experiencing secondary characteristics associated with learning difficulties (i.e., low self-esteem, poor social and/or emotional regulation) due to a diagnosed, identified, or suspected learning disability.  

Participants work on identifying their individual strengths and areas of improvement, how to seek out support when needed, and how to navigate stressful or anxiety-inducing academic situations. Sessions are taught using a combination of discussion, instruction, and engaging games and activities in both a whole-group and small-group setting. 

Please note that the B.E.S.T. program is not a behavioural support program and is not equipped to assist with disruptive behaviours.

Questions? Contact Program Coordinator, Emily Glencross | eglencross@Ldaniagara.org

Participant Eligibility

Participants attending the sessions must:

• Be in Grades 3-5 at the time of participation;
• Have a diagnosed or suspected Learning Disability or ADHD;
• Not be diagnosed/identified with an intellectual disability or have significant behavioural support needs.

Fall Applications Now Open!

Fall 2021 Program Details

Given the progression of the COVID-19 outbreak and the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming Fall season, the LDANR made the decision to continue our suspension of in-person programming. It has been determined that minimizing face-to-face interaction between our program participants, caregivers, and staff would be the best measure to ensure safety at this time. 

The LDANR Team have been working diligently to come up with creative solutions to continue to provide services to our program families during this challenging time. With this being noted, we are excited that we will be offering B.E.S.T. online. See below for program details.

* Fees subject to change. An annual family LDA Membership fee is $50. For more information on the LDA Membership program click here. If you require financial assistance, subsidy and payment plans may be available.
** In order to participate, participants must have access to a working device (e.g., computer, tablet, etc.) with microphone, camera, and internet connectivity.

Proud Community Partner:

Testimonials

“My son loved B.E.S.T! He loved seeing his friends and the positive outcomes of managing his emotions.  He really enjoyed the connections that he made with the staff as well as the other kids.”

– B.E.S.T. Caregiver, Spring 2018

“My son thoroughly enjoys his time at the B.E.S.T. program. He learned some great techniques to help him with his frustration and he has a great time at each class. The instructors are very kind and patient.”
– B.E.S.T. Caregiver, Spring 2019