Courses & workshops

Navigating Next Steps Workshop

A free workshop for parents and caregivers following their child's diagnosis. It offers guidance, clarity and practical tools during a time that can feel overwhelming and uncertain.

A woman and a girl working through a school booklet together at a low table at home

First Thursday of every month 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. online Free to attend

On this page

About the workshop

Free, every month

Bayridge offers the workshop at no cost, on the first Thursday of every month.
Led by a parent who has been there

Nicole Callander is a therapist, a parent advocate and a mother of four. She has faced these systems with her own child.
Open to every family

You don't need to be a Bayridge client or to have done an assessment with us. Anyone can come.

Who the workshop is for

Receiving a diagnosis or assessment results for your child can be overwhelming, and the journey that follows is often a confusing one. You don't have to face it alone.

Parents and caregivers whose child has received a diagnosis
Families who are early in the process, and families further along who want guidance as they move forward
Parents working out school supports, an IEP or a school transition
Families who have never worked with Bayridge. No assessment with us is needed

A woman helping a boy with his notebook at a kitchen table

What the workshop covers

Six areas parents ask about most after a diagnosis, in a safe, supportive place to learn, ask questions and connect with others facing similar challenges.

Supporting your child in school

Understanding how to collaborate with educators to help your child thrive.
Learning about IEPs

Breaking down the Individual Education Plan process and ensuring appropriate supports are in place.
Effective advocacy

Strategies for communicating with schools, service providers and community resources.
Acknowledging emotions

Recognizing and processing the emotional impact of a diagnosis.
Building a circle of care

Identifying professionals, support groups and community services.
Planning next steps

Creating a clear roadmap for your child's education and development.

Whether your family is early in the process or looking for guidance as you move forward, you'll leave with practical strategies and a stronger sense of direction.

Meet your facilitator

Nicole Callander

Registered Social Service Worker

RSSW

Families, Individuals

View profile

Nicole is a dedicated advocate for children with disabilities and their families. As a mother of four, including a child with developmental delays who has experienced significant systemic barriers, she brings deep personal understanding to her work.

Professionally, she serves as both a therapist and as Clinical Manager at Bayridge Counselling Centres, blending clinical expertise with real-world advocacy experience. She is committed to empowering parents with the knowledge and confidence needed to advocate effectively for their children.

Register for the workshop

Anyone can come, and there is no cost. Register below, or call us at (905) 319-1488.

Pick your date on the next page. We'll email you to confirm your spot and send the session details.

Free to attend
First Thursday of every month (second Thursday in January)
7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Held online

More parent advocacy support

The workshop is one part of how Bayridge supports parents through assessment and diagnosis. Individual sessions with a therapist are also available, for help with your own child's situation.

Understanding and developing an Individual Education Plan, so your child has appropriate educational services
Guidance through school transitions
Connecting your family with government and medical support services
Emotional support as you process a diagnosis and advocate for your child's needs