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: 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, Taylor Lloyd | tlloyd@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* (click here for the definition of a Learning Disability);
• Not be diagnosed/identified with an intellectual disability or have significant behavioural support needs.

*Please Note: While exceptionalities such as ADHD, Autism, Mild Intellectual Disability, etc. may impact an individual’s learning, a Learning Disability is a specific impairment and is distinct from these and other exceptionalities.

Winter 2024 Program Applications Opening Monday, November 27th at 6:00 am!

Winter 2024 Program Details

* Fees subject to change. If you require financial assistance, subsidy and payment plans may be available.
** Program will not be running the following dates: February 19-23 (Brock Reading Week), March 11-15 (March Break)
*** Exact location is to be determined

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.”