Better Emotional & Social Times
Grades 3 – 5
The Better Emotional and Social Times (B.E.S.T.) program is a small-group, self-advocacy program designed for students in grades 3-5 struggling in school due to a diagnosed, identified, or suspected learning disability.
The B.E.S.T. program is designed to assist students with the secondary characteristics (i.e. low self-esteem, poor social and/or emotional regulation) associated with learning difficulties. The B.E.S.T. program seeks to better equip these students with the self-advocacy and coping skills necessary to achieve success in the school environment. The goal of the B.E.S.T. program is to improve the participant’s ability to identify individual strengths and areas of improvement as well as how to seek out support when needed. Furthermore, the B.E.S.T. program aims to provide participants with coping skills to navigate stressful or anxiety-inducing academic situations.
Please note that the B.E.S.T. program is not a behavioural support program and is not equipped to assist with disruptive behaviours.
Program Coordinator: Emily Glencross | eglencross@Ldaniagara.org
Cost: Non-LDA Member fee: $105 | LDA Member fee: $70
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.
Fall 2020 Schedule
Given the progression of the COVID-19 outbreak and the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming school year, 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 an online self-advocacy program in place of B.E.S.T.. See below for program details.
Date: October 21st – December 9th
Time: 6:00 – 7:30pm (Wednesdays)
Location: Online (via Microsoft Teams)**
Duration: 8 weeks
** 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