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.
Winter Program Applications Now Open!
Winter 2023 Program Details
| Cost: | Non-LDA Member fee: $105 * LDA Member fee: $75 * |
| Dates: | February 1 – April 5 ** |
| Days of the Week: | Wednesdays |
| Duration: | 8 weeks |
| Time: | 6:00 – 7:30 pm |
| Location: | In-Person (84 Henry St, St. Catharines, ON L2R 5V4) |
* 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.
** Programs will not run the week of February 20th – 24th (Brock University Reading Week) and the week of March 13th – 17th (March Break)
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.”
“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.”
“I wanted to thank you and your staff for the great job that they did on the BEST program. [My son] really enjoyed the B.E.S.T. program, and he seemed to look forward to each class. I know he really admired the instructors, and they did a great job of connecting with the kids, and keeping the program on track.”