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CHEO School

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Coming to CHEO School
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CHEO School Programs
 
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Liaison Services
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CHEO School Therapy
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CHEO School Board

Welcome to the CHEO School Authority

A specialized kindergarten educational setting, located in the Children’s Treatment Centre (CTC) at CHEO Hospital.

Located on the CHEO campus, within the CHEO Children’s Treatment Centre (Previously, The Ottawa Children’s Treatment Centre), CHEO School offers an English and French 2 year specialized educational and therapeutic environment designed for kindergarten students with complex physical disabilities and related medical needs. Funded by the Ministry of Education, CHEO School adheres to the operational guidelines set forth in the Education Act of Ontario and is governed by the CHEO School Authority Board of Trustees. 

CHEO School celebrates the individuality of each student by recognizing and addressing their unique needs. Its commitment to educational excellence is showcased through a unique program that integrates physical, occupational, and speech therapies into a comprehensive full-day kindergarten curriculum, available in both English and French. Within a nurturing, safe, and inclusive environment, a highly qualified team of educators, therapists, healthcare providers, and specialized professionals work collaboratively. This collective effort supports the development of tailored Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for each student, providing consistent support and comprehensive care throughout their educational journey. 

Collage of photos of CHEO School students and faculty

The early intervention program at CHEO School lays a solid foundation for academic and personal success, focusing on each child's potential for academic growth and development in physical, communicative, and social domains. CHEO School is dedicated to nurturing each student’s individual abilities, preparing them for successful transitions to their home school boards, and ensuring a bright future. 

CHEO School ensures that all children are prepared for a seamless transition to community school boards, building on the foundational skills developed at the school. These transitions are facilitated through a collaborative process involving the educational and therapy teams, as well as parents, and coordinated under the guidance of the School Liaison Teachers under the direction of the CHEO School Principal. 

CHEO School is committed to creating a nurturing and empowering environment that respects and enhances the individual needs of each student; fostering growth, confidence and independence as they progress in their educational journey. 

Our mission statement

At CHEO School, we are dedicated to educating students with physical disabilities and associated special educational and developmental needs. Our mission is to prepare students today for tomorrow’s success through an intensive, specialized program that combines therapeutic services with an educational environment. Our vision, "Learning Without Limits," reflects our commitment to fostering an atmosphere where students thrive without barriers.Aligned with the Ministry of Education's priorities, CHEO School aims to enhance student achievement, close gaps in student performance, and boost public confidence in publicly funded education. We work closely with parents, staff, and therapists to establish and monitor personalized goals through Individual Education Plans (IEP) tailored to each student's needs.

Our guiding principles

  • Safety: We ensure a secure environment where the emotional and physical safety of our students is paramount. 
  • Social Skills: Every student is encouraged to develop social skills that enable them to interact effectively and advocate for themselves among peers and adults. 
  • Independence: We support our students in becoming independent learners, promoting autonomy in personal care to the extent of their abilities. 
  • Problem Solving: Our curriculum actively supports the development of problem-solving strategies, equipping students with the skills needed to navigate daily challenges. 
Collage of photos of CHEO School students

Coming to CHEO School

CHEO School is located at 395 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L2 (located directly across from the Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice).

Visit CHEO's Maps and Locations page for more information.

Administration

Principal

Mari Murray
Email: MaMurray@cheo.on.ca
Phone: 613-737-7600, ext. 4308

Office Administrator

Lynette Hickey
Email: lhickey@cheo.on.ca
Phone: 613-737-7600, ext. 2934

Liaison Teachers

Jennifer Bygrave
Email: jbygrave@cheo.on.ca
Phone: 613-737-7600, ext. 4306

Ginette Fournier
Email: gfournier@cheo.on.ca
Phone: 613-737-7600, ext. 4307

Janice Woolgar
Email: jwoolgar@cheo.on.ca
Phone: 613-737-7600, ext. 4305

Educational team

CHEO School's 2024-25 Educational Team:

  • Mari Murray, Principal
  • Lynette Hickey, Office Administrator
  • Kamar Abidi Educational Assistant (French Program)
  • Sarah Bell, Educational Assistant
  • Jennifer Bygrave, School Liaison (English Program)
  • Lyn Cleofas, Teacher
  • Carolyn Fornataro, Teacher (Core French/Outdoor Education)
  • Ginette Fournier, School Liaison (French Program)
  • Nikki Griffin, Educational Assistant
  • Talia Hunter, Literacy/Numeracy Resource Teacher
  • Carolyn Johnston, Teacher
  • Sharon Leggatt, Educational Assistant
  • Johnathan Lynch, Educational Assistant
  • Shae Lynch, Educational Assistant
  • Crystel O’Neill Educational Assistant (French Program)
  • Anna Peacock, Teacher
  • Jacquie Pinard Teacher
  • Emily Rideout, Educational Assistant
  • Céline Sabourin Teacher (French Program)
  • Vivian Touzel, Educational Assistant
  • Mieke Vanneste, Educational Assistant
  • Janice Woolgar, School Liaison (English Program)

School visitors

All visitors to CHEO School must sign in with the Office Administrator at the school office (room 127).

Office Administrator:
Lynette Hickey
Email: lhickey@cheo.on.ca
Phone: 613-737-7600, ext. 2934

The Office Administrator will greet you and ask you to sign-in. School staff will be notified of your visit to the school. The school doors are always locked for the safety of our students.

Parking

Limited parking is available for short visits to the school. Please inform the Children’s Treatment Centre front desk receptionist of your visit, where a parking pass will be provided. For larger school functions and events, families are asked to park in the pay parking areas. If this presents a challenge for your family, please contact the school Principal.

CHEO School daily schedule

  • 8:30-9:10am: Arrival/Play-Based Learning
  • 9:10-10:30am: Instructional Block
  • 10:30-11:10am: Nutrition Break/Recess
  • 11:10-12:30pm: Instructional Block
  • 12:30-1:20pm: Nutrition Break/Recess
  • 1:20-2:45pm: Instructional Block
  • 2:45-3:00pm: Dismissal to Bus

Safe arrival, departure and attendance procedures

Getting to and from school safely

Your child will be greeted each morning at the bus/van and escorted at the end of each day. No child is left alone at any time.

If your child is going to be absent from school, please let us know.  You may email or call the school at any time:

Email:Lhickey@cheo.on.ca
Phone: 613-737-7600 ext. 2934.

If your child is absent from school and we have not heard from you, we will call you to ensure that they are home and safe.

Pick-up and drop-off

A parent or childcare provider must be present for both morning and afternoon pickups. Have your child ready five minutes before their scheduled time. Routes may vary due to weather, traffic, and the number of students.

If no one is available to receive the child, the driver will try to contact you. If contact is not possible, the child will be returned to the school or, if closed, to the bus base.

Late or absent?

Parents and families are requested to inform the school if their child will be late or absent. Please report absences by 8:00 AM each day to the Office Administrator by leaving a message on our absence reporting line at (613) 737-7600, Ext. 2934. Be sure to state the reason for the absence. You can call the absence line at any time.

All absences will be recorded. If your child is expected to be absent for an extended period (more than 15 days), please provide a written explanation for the absence, as this is required by the Ministry of Education.

If you need to pick up your child during the school day, you must notify either the Office Administrator or the classroom teacher. Children will only be released to individuals who have been authorized by signed parental permission. It is essential to have up-to-date legal custody agreements on file for each student, which clearly state any access arrangements. In case of any conflicts, these agreements will be strictly adhered to by the principal.

Transportation and bus services

CHEO School facilitates but does not directly plan or provide transportation. Transportation is provided to and from CHEO School, in the morning and after school, and is organized by the school office through partnerships with area school boards.

Students use wheelchair-accessible buses or vans with necessary car seats or booster seats.

Notify the CHEO School Office Administrator at least five days in advance for alternate pickup/drop-off locations or if you are moving.

Illness and health protocols

If your child shows symptoms of illness such as vomiting, fever, diarrhea, nasal discharge, runny nose, or heavy congestion, please keep them at home for 24-48 hours after the symptoms have ceased.

Immediate notification to the school is required if your child contracts chickenpox, measles, whooping cough, or any other suspected communicable diseases. CHEO School will adhere to the Ottawa Public Health guidelines in all cases of suspected communicable disease.

Should your child exhibit any of the mentioned symptoms while at school, parents or families will be contacted immediately. Many of our students are particularly vulnerable to respiratory infections, and our priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of all students at all times.

Medication, medical procedures and documentation

Students who require medication during school hours must have an Administration of Medication Authorization Form on file. This form must be completed and signed by the student’s family. It is mandatory for educational assistants to have this signed authorization along with a photo of the prescription label that details the medication administration procedures before they can administer any medication.

Educational assistants will administer medication strictly according to the doctor's prescribed instructions. Each administration will be recorded daily in the Student Medication Log, kept in the classroom’s safety cupboard. This record will then be stored in your child's school record folder.

All medications must be securely stored in a locked box within the safety cupboard. Educational Assistants are the only school staff authorized to administer medication. Students on placement and volunteers are strictly prohibited from administering medication.

For safety and compliance, all medications must be in their original pharmacy-labeled containers. No other containers will be accepted for medication storage or administration. This policy is communicated to parents every September during school registration.

Joining School Council

Parents and families are welcome to attend activities and meetings offered by the CHEO School Council. Currently, the School Council hosts events throughout the school year and parents, families, students and staff are encouraged to attend. If you would like to participate and/or assist with the planning of events, please contact the school Principal.

CHEO School admissions and services

Admission process to Junior and Senior Kindergarten

CHEO School is one of six Section 68 schools in Ontario operating within a children’s treatment centre. Admission to Junior and Senior Kindergarten is available to CTC clients who have a primary diagnosis of a physical disability with possible associated complex needs. Applicants must demonstrate readiness to engage with the learning expectations outlined in the Ontario Kindergarten Program.

Admission criteria

Admissions criteria

  • Primary Exceptionality: Physical disability, with possible secondary complex needs associated with the physical disability.
    • Note: The Education Act describes physical disability as "A condition of such severe physical limitation or deficiency as to require special assistance in learning situations to provide the opportunity for educational achievement equivalent to that of students without exceptionalities who are of the same age or development level."
  • Must have the potential to participate in and benefit from the treatment of complex needs in two or more of the following therapy areas:
    • Physiotherapy
    • Occupational Therapy
    • Speech and Language Therapy
  • Must be a client of the Children’s Treatment Centre.
  • Requires a multidisciplinary classroom team to develop strategies, promote independence, and utilize adaptive equipment, aiming to prepare for transition to a public education setting in grade 1.
  • Must demonstrate potential to actively participate in the Ontario Ministry of Education Kindergarten Program within a full-day classroom setting.
  • Must be 4 years of age by December 31 of the admitting school year.

Admissions process

The admission process begins with a referral to CHEO School Liaison Services, which can be made through CHEO’s Access Team.

The admissions committee meets in February to evaluate applicants for the September intake. Parents will be informed of their child’s placement between March and April. Admissions outside the regular school calendar year may be considered for extenuating circumstances.

It is important to note that submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance as CHEO School may receive more referrals than we have spaces. For more information please contact CHEO School Liaison Services, or CHEO School Administration.

Steps:

  • Applications are submitted by the referring therapist to the Admission Committee by January 31.
  • The Admission Committee reviews each application and decisions are made by April 1st.
  • During the Admission Committee process, children are ranked according to the levels of their need for therapy (PT, OT, SLP) and their potential to respond to therapy and Kindergarten learning.
  • A final review will determine those children recommended for acceptance to the school program.
  • The final decision will be made by the Principal of CHEO School Authority.

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