Public Health Has Expanded Eligibility for the First Booster Shot The Ontario government has expanded the eligibility for COVID-19 first booster doses to children aged five to 11 to provide an extra layer of protection as children begin a new school year. Starting Thursday, September 1st, parents and caregivers of children aged five to 11 will be able to book an appointment for a paediatric COVID-19 booster dose through the various methods listed below. Eligible children can receive their first booster dose at a recommended interval of at least six months following their most recent dose. Parents with questions are encouraged to reach out to their health care provider, the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre or the SickKids COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service to make an informed choice for their family. Appointments will be available by booking through one of the following methods:
Vaccination remains the best defense against COVID-19, including the Omicron variant. CTN continues to recommend vaccination for employees, clients and their parents/caregivers. CTN also encourages everyone to remain vigilant and stay home when sick.
CTN employees and service providers will continue to wear masks when providing services to children. This will allow CTN to continue to keep our most vulnerable clients safe, protect our team from COVID-19 and will reduce the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak impacting our ability to provide services. CTN recommends that parents/caregivers and children (where possible) wear a mask when receiving services. Children, youth and families are welcome to wait in our waiting areas or if preferred, may wait in the car prior to your scheduled appointment. For the protection of the children and youth we serve, their families and our employees, CTN continues to have several COVID-19 health and safety measures in place including screening, hand washing, wearing masks and enhanced cleaning protocols. CTN continues to deliver services both virtually and in person. If you have questions about your child’s appointment, please speak to your service provider or a member of the team. Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health recommends that adults and children ages five and up get their COVID-19 vaccinations. A booster shot(s) is also suggested, for those who are eligible. Appointments can be booked through the Ontario vaccine booking system. If you have questions, please visit:
On September 23, 2021, Children’s Treatment Network (CTN) implemented a COVID-19 vaccination policy. Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health issued instructions to the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) funded agencies regarding the mandatory implementation of a COVID-19 vaccination policy. The purpose of this policy is to minimize the risk of transmission of the COVID-19 virus and to comply with the government of Ontario’s directive related to vaccination of individuals working in a higher risk work setting. This policy supports CTN’s strong commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals from COVID-19. CTN supports a fully vaccinated workforce. Employees who are fully vaccinated provided proof of vaccination or an approved exemption. Employees who are not fully vaccinated must undergo regular rapid antigen testing for COVID-19. New hires, effective September 23, 2021, are required to be fully vaccinated or provide an approved exemption and must undergo regular rapid antigen testing for COVID-19 as a condition of employment. CTN contracted service provider organizations are required to establish and implement a COVID-19 vaccination policy in accordance with the Chief Medical Officer of Health’s Letter of Instructions and to provide CTN with an attestation that their policy meets the MCCSS requirements. CTN’s requirements of contracted service provider organizations may change at any time to address risk of transmission, the availability of new information, and/or align with any new public health and/or ministry directives or recommendations related to COVID-19. We encourage you stay connected with your child’s service provider if there are concerns that require immediate attention. Our team is available to answer questions and provide assistance. They can be reached at 1-866-377-0286.
The health and safety of the children, youth, and families we serve as well as the wellbeing of employees and partners are at the centre of our planning for in-person services. Our approach to service delivery is guided by Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer, the Ministry of Health, and Public Health Ontario guidelines and is adjusted as needed based on this guidance. CTN has the following measures in place for everyone’s safety:
Engaging Minds Learning Group - Sensory Sensitive Haircuts - Collingwood
Sensory Friendly Haircuts once a month on Mondays starting December 6th, 2021. Haircuts are priced at $25 (regardless of age). For individuals who are more hesitant, please, book a 15 min gradual spot which will allow time for the individual to come sit in the room, play with toys and slowly increase tolerance to the sensory elements of the haircut process (water spray, sounds of buzzer if used, sound and feel of scissors).
Kerry's Place - (FFS) Sibling Story Time - Online
Sibling Story time is a group that provides the opportunity for young children with a sibling with ASD to learn about and embrace difference. The group consists of a storybook reading, a related activity, and a follow-up parent debrief to discuss the story, its themes, and how to respond to questions that may arise later on. The storybook this month will be “No Such Thing As Normal” by Megan Desjardins.
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