Our small social groups provide an opportunity for dynamic, intentional, social teaching and practice. A combination of direct social teaching and guided free time. Students look forward to the active energetic nature of group time. Parents appreciate the skills their children learn in a comfortable, interactive setting. Students have a 60 minute session with the social educator. Afterwards they have supervised free time while parents get their turn to be the students. The social educator reviews the entire the entire lesson with the families as well as providing a handout to be shared with additional family members or educators.
Our Drop-in Programming provides a safe environment for our students to practice their social skills and join others whom share their similar interests. We provide LEGOs, crafting, table top games and a variety of video games like Rock Band, Guitar Hero and Just Dance. Students are relaxed and welcome to be their authentic selves and thrive in this nurturing environment.
Lynchpin believes that students learn social skills not just through direct teaching, but by being exposed to others who are modeling positive social interactions. Studies have shown that students can improve their social skills by 50% just by being exposed to typically developing peer mentors. We strive for a 1:1 ratio during our Drop-in programs at Lynchpin as well as having them sprinkled throughout the center. Not only is this a great opportunity for high school and collage students to fulfill their community service/volunteer requirements, they’re also connecting with students and gaining a new perspective to a world unlike their own.
Small groups provide an opportunity for dynamic, intentional, social teaching and practice. The experience feels like a youth group, or extracurricular activity to the students involved. A combination of direct social teaching and guided free time, students look forward to the active, energetic nature of group time. Parents appreciate the skills their children learn in a comfortable, interactive setting.
Groups can be a good fit for many students with or without an identified social learning challenge. We thoughtfully group students with likeminded peers. Groups generally include 4-6 students, and are facilitated by experienced professionals. A variety of curriculum and approaches are used to develop teaching materials. Our students have taught us that for social education to work well, great care must be taken when placing students in a group with his or her peers. We carefully consider each student’s social development, cognitive profile, chronological age, and strengths and interests when creating groups. For this reason, it is expected that each student and family meet with a Lynchpin staff member prior to enrolling in a group.
Students have a 60 minute session with the social educator. Afterwards they have supervised free time while parents get their turn to be the students. The social educator reviews the entire lesson with the families as well as providing a handout to be shared with additional family members or educators.
Students participating in a social group are billed $35 per class. We do not meet on school holidays or long weekends.
During the school year, Lynchpin opens after school for both Social Groups and Drop-In Programming, including
Lynchpin is well staffed by our social educators, assistants and typically developing peer mentors.
Students who are new to Lynchpin are required to complete a drop-in form prior to participating. Parents are asked to stay in the building the first time their child participates in a drop in. Lynchpin students who participate or have participated in a social group in the past do not require a parent on site.
$15 per program. Drop-In Program times may vary and are subject to change—for an up-to-date programs schedule, please see our calendar. Ages 12+
All students are embraced, encouraged and empowered to be their authentic selves.
*Lynchpin is able to support students who can participate safely, independently, and without significant behavioral supports in place.