Welcome to BluBear, a therapeutic centre in Oakville where children with complex and neurodivergent needs are met with warmth, understood without judgement, and supported to thrive as exactly who they are. Safe enough to settle. Supported enough to grow.
Morning 9:00am to 12:00pm or afternoon 12:30pm to 3:30pm
Ages 5–12
Evening Program
5:00pm to 8:00pm · drop-in or term
Ages 5–12
One-to-One Respite
5:00pm to 8:00pm · dedicated 1:1 support
Ages 5–12
Teen Support Group
5:00pm to 8:00pm · weekly skills group
Ages 13–18
3,000 sq ft
Dedicated Facility
Ages 5–18
Children & Youth Programs
1:4 Ratio
Individualized Attention
CYC & OCT
Certified Practitioners
OAP Ready
Funding-Friendly
Who We Serve
Every child deserves a space built for them
We work with children and youth ages 5–18 across neurodevelopmental, learning, behavioural, and trauma-informed needs, plus a dedicated emotional-support and skills group for teens ages 13–18.
Autism Spectrum
Structured, sensory-aware programming designed around each child's unique communication style and regulation needs.
ADHD
Movement breaks, flexible pacing, and executive function coaching woven into every part of the day.
Learning Disabilities
OCT-designed curriculum adapted to each child's learning profile, with assistive technology support built in.
Behavioural Challenges
Collaborative, proactive support, understanding behaviour as a communication of unmet needs, not defiance.
Our Services
Everything a child needs to grow
Core service areas delivered through low-ratio programming, predictable routines, and individualized support plans.
Behavioural Support & Intervention
Individualized Behaviour Support Plans developed with families, reviewed quarterly by a registered clinical consultant.
Emotional Regulation & Coping Skills
Zones of Regulation, flexible thinking, and daily co-regulation strategies embedded in every block of the day.
Social Skills Development
Stable small-group sessions with the same peers and facilitator each week, real relationships, not role-plays.
Routine & Executive Functioning
Visual schedules, predictable structure, and independence-building tasks that transfer to home and school.
Therapeutic Play & Structured Activities
OCT-designed project-based learning, creative expression, community skills, and sensory-informed movement.
Parent Coaching & Family Support
Daily communication, monthly written summaries, quarterly reviews, and caregiver workshops throughout the year.
How It Works
Getting started is simple
We've designed the intake process to be thorough enough to actually inform your child's program, and respectful of how much families already have on their plates.
1
Reach Out
Call, email, or fill out the contact form. We'll do a brief 15-minute screening call to make sure we're a good fit.
2
Intake Meeting
A 60–90 minute conversation with our Director. You share your child's story, we listen and explain the program in full.
3
Child Visit
Your child spends 30–60 minutes with us during program hours. Low-demand, child-led, just a chance to feel the space.
4
Start Program
We finalize paperwork, assign a primary practitioner, and build your child's Individual Program Plan together.
Ready to find the right fit for your child or teen?
Every family begins with a free discovery call so we can understand your needs and recommend the right starting point.
Our Programs
Four programs, one connected centre
Every program at BluBear is built on Structured Warmth: high connection, clear routine, trauma-informed care, and neurodiversity-affirming support. Families can choose daytime, evening, one-to-one, teen, or clinical support based on age, schedule, and support needs.
Half-Day Program
A supportive alternative or companion to school
Ages 5–12
9:00am–12:00pm
12:30pm–3:30pm
Half-day only
Low-ratio therapeutic half-day support for complex, neurodivergent, and trauma-informed needs.
Includes emotional regulation, social skills, academics with an Ontario Certified Teacher, sensory integration, life skills, and Blu Beat music-and-movement.
Children are grouped developmentally: Cubs 5–7, Explorers 8–10, and Navigators 11–12.
Each child works toward individualized goals from their support plan inside the shared group rhythm.
From $100
morning or afternoon half-day
Evening Program
Structured after-hours support and connection
Ages 5–12
5:00pm–8:00pm
Drop-in or term
Arrival and supper brought from home, followed by decompression and homework support.
Group activity such as Blu Beat, social games, craft, or project-based work.
Supports emotional regulation, social connection, and a calmer evening transition.
Available as single drop-in sessions or lower per-session term enrollment.
$60
3-hour drop-in session
One-to-One Respite
Dedicated support for your child and a real break for caregivers
Ages 5–12
5:00pm–8:00pm
1:1 support
A single trained worker is devoted entirely to your child for the session.
Care is shaped around your child’s needs, interests, goals, and regulation profile.
Best for children who need more individualized attention than a group can offer.
Hourly, evening-block, and prepaid package options available.
$60/hr
3-hour block $165 · 10 hours $550
Teen Support Group
A space for teens to feel understood, build skills, and connect
Ages 13–18
5:00pm–8:00pm
Drop-in or term
Weekly emotional-support and skills group in a relaxed evening setting.
Check-in circle plus rotating topics like stress, coping tools, friendships, self-esteem, and identity.
Creative, music, art, movement, and social activities support connection and confidence.
Described as support and psychoeducation unless facilitated as psychotherapy by the Registered Psychotherapist.
$55
3-hour drop-in session
Half-Day Program Rhythm
Predictable structure, personalized goals
The day keeps the same rhythm so children know what to expect. The content changes by age group, and each child works toward individualized goals within the group activity.
Soft Start
Low-demand arrival, feelings check-in, quiet activity, and 1:1 connection with staff.
Blu Beat
Music, movement, rhythm, dance, yoga, and sensory-friendly energy release.
Learning Lab
OCT-supported academics at the child’s level with breaks and visual supports.
Social Skills
Turn-taking, friendship skills, conflict repair, perspective-taking, and group problem-solving.
Zones, body cues, coping tools, trigger awareness, reframing, and co-regulation.
Life Skills
Snack prep, cleanup, cooking, organizing, plant care, budgeting, and independence-building.
Closing Circle
Reflection, daily goal review, packing up, and transition preparation before pickup.
Rates & Funding
Clear options for different family needs
Children bring their own meals and snacks. A one-time $200 registration and intake fee includes intake assessment and an individual support plan.
Half-Day Program
$100 / half-day
Morning 9:00am to 12:00pm or afternoon 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Only half-day enrollment is currently available.
Evening Program
$60 / session
3-hour group evening, 5–8. Term enrollment available for lower per-session rates.
One-to-One Respite
$60 / hour
Evening block $165. 10-hour prepaid package $550.
Teen Support Group
$55 / session
Weekly 3-hour emotional-support and skills group, 5–8.
Funding note: Many families offset costs with Ontario Autism Program (OAP), Special Services at Home (SSAH), private insurance, or private pay. Day program and clinically-overseen hours may be structured for OAP reimbursement; respite care may be claimed through SSAH. Sibling discount: 10% off the second enrolled child.
Our Philosophy
We believe difference is not deficit
Everything we do is built on six practice principles that apply across every program, every session, every day.
1
Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice
Programming is built around each child's strengths and goals, not a standardized remediation model.
2
Trauma-Informed Care
Safety, predictability, and relational attunement are built into every part of the environment and schedule.
3
Individualized Support Plans
The group structure is shared, but each child’s goals, cues, and support plan are personal.
4
Positive Behaviour Support
Strength-based, function-based, evidence-informed. No aversive or punitive strategies.
5
Family Partnership
Parents are essential team members, communication is two-way, transparent, and consistent.
6
Skill Generalization
Skills learned at BluBear are explicitly coached for transfer to home, school, and community.
Not sure which program is right?
Book a free discovery call, we'll learn about your child or teen and recommend the best starting point.
About BluBear
Built by practitioners who believe every child belongs
BluBear Child and Youth Development Centre was founded on one conviction: children with neurodevelopmental differences deserve programming that starts with their strengths, not their deficits.
Our team holds qualifications in Child and Youth Care, Social Services, Community Social Work, and Ontario-certified teaching. We bring specialized training in autism, behaviour support, and trauma-informed practice to everything we do.
We operate from a 3,000 sq ft dedicated facility in Oakville, previously an autism centre, purpose-built with a sensory regulation room, flexible program spaces, and the kind of environment where neurodivergent children actually feel safe.
3,000 sq ft
Dedicated facility in Oakville, sensory-aware throughout
40 children
Maximum capacity across all four program streams
1:4 ratio
1:2 for complex cohorts, genuine individualized attention
CYC + OCT
Certified practitioners with ASD and behaviour specializations
Our Team
Practitioners who show up for your family
Our team brings a complementary mix of clinical, educational, and community service credentials, with specialized training across autism, behaviour support, and trauma-informed care.
Lina Dajani
Centre Manager
Over 8 years supporting children and youth with complex needs including ASD at all levels, trauma, mental health, and concurrent disorders. Lina brings structured warmth and a deeply neurodiversity-affirming approach to every aspect of BluBear's programming.
BASc Community Social ServicesAdvanced Diploma CYWSSW DiplomaOACYC MemberRSSW (in progress)
Julian Miller
Teen Support Program Lead
Julian brings experience across child and youth care, social services, forensic mental health, education, and community case management. She supports teens through structured, relationship-based programming focused on emotional regulation, life skills, safety, connection, and practical coping.
Teen Support Program LeadAdvanced Diploma CYCSSW DiplomaBASc Community Social ServicesOACYC MemberForensic Mental Health Experience
Maha Khatib
Educational Support Specialist, School Liaison & Parent Partnership
Maha is an Ontario Certified Teacher with classroom experience and a strong foundation in inclusive education. She supports neurodivergent learners, students with IEPs, and families navigating school communication, learning goals, and parent partnership.
Ontario Certified Teacher5 Years Classroom ExperienceCommunication Needs AQBehavioural Needs / ASD AQTESL Level 1IEP Support
Mona Shakashiro
Child and Youth Support Worker
Mona brings a background in psychology and criminology, specialized behavioural support training, and extensive direct experience with children and youth with complex needs, severe autism, mental health concerns, and trauma. Her work is grounded in structure, routine, safety, and warm connection.
Psychology & CriminologySMG TrainingFirst Aid & CPR1,000+ Support Hours7 Years Autism SupportTrauma-Informed Practice
Khuram Hotay
Senior Child and Youth Support Worker
Khuram brings more than 25 years of experience in the child and youth work field, with a strong background in sociology, behavioural support, de-escalation, and relationship-based care. He supports children and youth through calm, consistent, and strengths-based programming.
Bachelor's in Sociology25+ Years CYW ExperienceSMG TrainedUMAB TrainedBehavioural SupportYouth Development
Our Facility
A space designed for how your child actually feels
Every design decision in our facility was made with neurodivergent children in mind, from lighting to sightlines to sensory equipment.
Sensory Regulation Room
Weighted blankets, proprioceptive equipment, dim lighting, and sound dampening. Used proactively, not as a time-out space.
Academic Room
OCT's primary teaching space. Whiteboards, literacy and numeracy materials, and full assistive technology access.
Flexible Program Rooms
Movable dividers, acoustic treatment, natural light, and visual supports in every space. Arranged for full staff sightlines.
Sensory-Aware Design
Neutral colour palette, consistent low-level lighting, limited visual clutter, and quiet corners throughout the facility.
Come meet the team
Send us an email and we'll walk you through the facility, the programs, and what it could look like for your child.
Get In Touch
Let's talk about your child
We're currently accepting new families. Use the form below to book a free discovery call or ask a question.
We'd love to hear from you
Fill out the form and we'll get back to you within one business day. Or reach out directly, whatever is easiest for your family.
Half-Day Program blocks 9:00am–12:00pm or 12:30pm–3:30pm · Evening programs 5:00pm–8:00pm
Funding & Coverage
We work with families accessing OAP funding, SSAH, Passport, and most extended health insurance plans. We'll help you navigate your options, just ask.
Send Us a Message
We'll get back to you within one business day.
Message sent, thank you.
We received your inquiry and will be in touch within one business day. A copy of your request has been sent to BluBear.
Finding your program1 of 7
Legal
Privacy Policy
Last updated: May 2026
BluBear Child and Youth Development Centre ("BluBear," "we," "us") is committed to protecting the privacy of children and families who interact with our services. This policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and protect personal information in compliance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and applicable Ontario privacy legislation.
1. What information we collect
We collect personal information necessary to deliver therapeutic programming and communicate with families. This includes:
Child's name, date of birth, and diagnosis or presenting profile
Parent or guardian names, email addresses, and phone numbers
Emergency contact information
Medical information including medications, allergies, and health history
Funding source and financial information relevant to program fees
Session notes, progress records, and behaviour support documentation
Basic contact information shared through our website inquiry form (parent or guardian name, email, phone, child's first name and age, and any details a family chooses to share voluntarily)
2. Why we collect it
Personal information is collected to: assess program suitability for your child; develop and deliver individualized programming; communicate with families about their child's progress; process fees and funding; comply with legal obligations including mandatory reporting under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017; and maintain records required for safety, insurance, and regulatory purposes.
3. How we share information
We do not sell personal information. We share information only: with staff directly involved in your child's programming; with your written consent (e.g. with schools or external providers); when required by law, including mandatory reporting obligations; and with service providers who support our operations (e.g. secure cloud storage) under strict confidentiality terms.
4. How we protect it
Records are stored in password-protected systems with access restricted by role. Physical records are kept in locked filing at our Oakville facility. Staff are trained on confidentiality obligations before beginning work. Client files are retained for a minimum of 7 years from last contact, or until the child turns 25, whichever is later.
5. Website data
Information submitted through our contact form is transmitted over an encrypted (HTTPS) connection and used only to respond to your inquiry. Form submissions are processed and temporarily stored by Formspree, a third-party form-handling service whose servers are located in the United States, which means the information you submit is transferred to and stored outside of Canada and may be subject to access by U.S. authorities under applicable law. Inquiry submissions are retained only as long as needed to respond and are then deleted. We do not use tracking cookies for advertising purposes. We may use basic analytics to understand how our website is used.
6. Your rights
You have the right to access personal information we hold about your family, request corrections, and withdraw consent where applicable. To make a request, contact our Privacy Officer at ldajjani@blubear.ca.
7. Contact
Privacy Officer: Lina Dajani Data compliance is overseen by Rayyan Karim. BluBear Child and Youth Development Centre 323 Kerr St, Oakville, Ontario ldajjani@blubear.ca
Common Questions
Everything families ask before they reach out
Real answers to the questions parents of neurodivergent children ask most. If yours isn't here, email us.
About the programs
Do you accept children without a formal diagnosis?⌄
Yes. A formal diagnosis is not required for enrollment. We get to know your child as a whole person, not just through assessments, diagnoses, or paperwork. If your child has been struggling and has not yet received a diagnosis, that does not disqualify them.
What ages do you serve?⌄
We support children and youth ages 5–18 through age-appropriate programming. Our Half-Day Program, Evening Program, and One-to-One Respite serve ages 5–12, while our Teen Support Group serves ages 13–18. Children in the 5–12 programs must be potty trained for enrollment.
What's the difference between the programs?⌄
The Half-Day Program is offered in two three-hour blocks, with a morning option from 9:00am to 12:00pm and an afternoon option from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. It can be used as a school alternative or supplement. The Evening Program runs 5:00pm–8:00pm in a small-group format with decompression, homework support, group activity, and wind-down. One-to-One Respite is also evening-based, but it is dedicated 1:1 support for a single child and is the most individualized care option.
Will my child have the same staff member every session?⌄
Yes, wherever possible. Every child is assigned a primary practitioner who is consistent across their sessions. We believe relationship is the foundation of all therapeutic progress, consistent staffing isn't just nice to have, it's core to how we operate. Groups are also kept stable with the same peers week to week.
What happens if my child has a meltdown or behavioural escalation?⌄
Our staff are trained in non-violent crisis intervention (NVCI) and follow a de-escalation-first approach rooted in Positive Behaviour Support and Collaborative & Proactive Solutions. We never use exclusionary timeout, restraint, or punitive approaches. When a child is dysregulated, the response is co-regulation, a calm staff member, a sensory-friendly space, and patient support. If an escalation occurs, you will be contacted before pickup. Any significant incident is documented and followed up with a plan.
Funding & fees
Is this covered by the Ontario Autism Program (OAP)?⌄
OAP funding may be used with BluBear's Half-Day Program and clinically-overseen hours. Families access OAP through their child's OAP account and direct funding to BluBear for eligible services. If you're currently receiving OAP funding and aren't sure how to apply it, email us, we can walk you through it. If you haven't applied for OAP yet, visit ontario.ca/oap to begin.
How do I access SSAH or Passport funding?⌄
Special Services at Home (SSAH) and Passport funding are both administered through the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS). Families apply directly through their local MCCSS office or Developmental Services Ontario (DSO). Once approved, funding may be directed to BluBear's respite care. We can help families understand what SSAH may cover. If you need help navigating the application, email us and we'll point you in the right direction.
Can I use my extended health insurance plan?⌄
Many extended health plans cover child therapeutic day programming under mental health, behavioural therapy, or autism services benefits. We provide detailed, insurance-ready receipts and invoices. Whether your plan covers BluBear's services depends on your specific policy, we recommend calling your insurer before enrolling and asking whether "therapeutic day treatment" or "behavioural intervention" is covered and what documentation they require.
What if I can't afford the full rate?⌄
We understand that families of children with complex needs often carry significant financial burden. We have a limited number of subsidized and sliding scale spots available. If cost is a barrier, tell us in your inquiry, we will always try to find a way to make it work or connect you with funding you may not know about.
Getting started
How long does the intake process take?⌄
From first email to first day, the intake process typically takes 2–4 weeks. This includes an initial screening exchange, an intake meeting (60–90 min), a child visit during program hours, and completing paperwork. We move as quickly as the family is ready, if there's urgency, tell us and we'll prioritize.
What qualifications do your staff have?⌄
All BluBear staff hold diplomas or degrees in Child and Youth Care, Social Services, or related fields. Every staff member completes a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC), current Standard First Aid + CPR-C, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) training, and mandatory reporter training under the CYFSA before their first shift. Our program is overseen by a registered clinical consultant who reviews all Behaviour Support Plans. See our About page for the team's full credentials.
What do I need to bring to the intake meeting?⌄
Nothing formal is required. If you have a diagnosis report, IEP, or previous assessment you'd like to share, you're welcome to bring it, but we will never require documentation to begin the intake conversation. The meeting is a conversation, not an assessment. You bring your knowledge of your child; we'll bring ours of the program.
Is there a waitlist?⌄
We are currently accepting new families across our programs. We intentionally keep our groups small, and availability depends on age, schedule, group fit, and support level. If you are interested, we recommend reaching out sooner rather than later. Families are added to the waitlist by date of first inquiry if spots are full.
Still have questions?
Email us directly, we respond within one business day.
Legal
Terms & Conditions
Last updated: June 2026
These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of the BluBear Child and Youth Development Centre website (www.blubear.ca) and the services provided by BluBear Child and Youth Development Centre ("BluBear," "we," "us," "our"), located at 323 Kerr St, Oakville, Ontario. By accessing our website or enrolling in our programs, you agree to these Terms.
1. Services
BluBear provides structured therapeutic half-day programming for children and youth ages 5–18 with neurodevelopmental and related needs. Our current programs include the Half-Day Program, Evening Program, One-to-One Respite, and Teen Support Group. Program availability, scheduling, and pricing are subject to change. We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any program with reasonable notice to enrolled families.
2. Eligibility
Programs are available to children and youth ages 5–18. Children in the 5–12 programs must be potty trained. Enrollment is subject to a goodness-of-fit assessment process. BluBear reserves the right to decline or discontinue enrollment where a child's needs fall outside our clinical scope or where the safety of the child, other participants, or staff cannot be reasonably maintained.
3. Fees and payment
Program fees are outlined in your Service Agreement. Fees are due on the schedule specified in that agreement. Late payments may result in suspension of services. Subsidized rates are available at BluBear's discretion. Fees paid are non-refundable except where BluBear cancels a session. Families are responsible for understanding and managing their own government funding (OAP, SSAH) and insurance claims.
4. Cancellation policy
Families must provide a minimum of 24 hours' notice to cancel a scheduled session. Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice may be charged at the full session rate. Repeated late cancellations or no-shows may result in review of enrollment. Families wishing to withdraw from the program must provide 2 weeks' written notice to ldajjani@blubear.ca.
5. Late pickup
Children must be picked up by the end of their scheduled program time. Late pickups beyond 15 minutes may incur an additional fee as specified in your Service Agreement. Repeated late pickups may be grounds for review of enrollment.
6. Health and safety
Families must disclose all relevant medical information, allergies, and medications at intake and promptly notify BluBear of any changes. Children who are ill (fever, vomiting, or contagious illness) must not attend and will be asked to be picked up. BluBear maintains an anaphylaxis protocol and first aid coverage at all sessions. All staff hold current Standard First Aid and CPR-C certification.
7. Photography and media
No photographs or video recordings of children will be taken or shared without explicit written consent from a parent or guardian. Media consent is collected separately during the intake process and may be withdrawn at any time in writing.
8. Limitation of liability
BluBear will take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children in our care. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable Ontario law, BluBear shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from participation in our programs. Our total liability to any family shall not exceed the fees paid for the program period in question.
9. Mandatory reporting
All BluBear staff are mandatory reporters under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017. Staff are legally required to report any reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect directly to the Children's Aid Society, regardless of the source of the concern. This obligation cannot be superseded by any instruction from a parent, guardian, or supervisor.
10. Website use
The content on www.blubear.ca is for informational purposes only and does not constitute clinical or legal advice. BluBear makes no guarantee that the website will be available without interruption. All content is the property of BluBear Child and Youth Development Centre and may not be reproduced without written permission.
11. Governing law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein. Any disputes shall be resolved in the courts of Ontario.
12. Contact
BluBear Child and Youth Development Centre 323 Kerr St, Oakville, Ontario ldajjani@blubear.ca
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