Eligibility Criteria:

In order to attend Thursday’s Child Nursery School a child must be diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, be between 2 and 5 years of age and be a resident of Ottawa. Eligibility is dependent upon verification from objective psychological and/or medical findings.

Once eligibility is confirmed, the parent/guardian can request that the child’s name be placed on the waiting list. Waiting list status is determined by the referral date and the ability to meet the developmental needs of each child.

Referral Process:

Referrals to TCNS may be made by parents or by any community agency with written parental consent.

The referral application consists of two forms: the Referral Form and the Authorization for Release of Information Form. Both forms must be filled out, signed by the parent and mailed to the Intake Coordinator at Children’s Integration Support Services (mailing address can be found on the form).

1. A referring agency sends a referral to Children’s Integration Support Services with parent’s authorization – and/or – the parent calls Children’s Integration Support Services directly.  Forms will then be mailed to the parent to fill out


2. The referral is received and acknowledged in writing by the Intake Coordinator. The signed Authorization for Release of Information form is sent to the agency identified and the following information is mailed to the parent:
• letter to acknowledge receipt of the referral,
• Thursday’s Child Nursery School Information Sheets,
• CISS pamphlet,
• Access Integration Newsletter, and
• CISS library membership form.


3. A pre-admission file will be opened and pertinent information shall be obtained to develop a Support Plan.


4. Once assessment information is obtained and eligibility is established, the Intake Coordinator will acknowledge this in writing to provide an update regarding the status of the referral. Parents are asked to inform the Intake Coordinator of any relevant information changes.


5. The child’s name remains on the waiting list until a space becomes available at Thursday’s Child Nursery School or the parent requests to have the child’s name removed. At age 5, if the child is not enrolled, his/her name will automatically be removed from the wait list.


6. Prior to admission, a visit will be arranged to answer questions and update the information in the Support Plan.


7. The Intake Resource Coordinator will send a letter to the family confirming admission and the starting date.