New Yellowknife Program Empowers Neurodivergent Children

A new educational initiative, Chickadee N.E.S.T. (Nurture, Engage, Support, Thrive), has launched in Yellowknife this fall, providing a tailored learning environment for neurodivergent children. This program is designed specifically for children aged six to twelve who find larger classroom settings challenging, focusing on their unique needs associated with conditions such as autism, dyslexia, and attention disorders.

The program emphasizes emotional regulation, confidence building, and fostering connections within the community. Caitlin Krekoski, the program’s director and co-founder, created Chickadee N.E.S.T. out of personal experience as a parent. She noted, “It started because I realized that my own kiddos don’t feel super awesome all the time in public school. I just wished there was a more flexible, smaller option for kiddos.”

Chickadee N.E.S.T. offers a flexible schedule, allowing families to enroll their children for part of the week or on a regular basis, depending on their specific requirements. Krekoski explained that the idea had been in discussion for years, but recent changes to Jordan’s Principle earlier this year prompted the initiative’s launch. These changes resulted in staff reductions in schools, particularly affecting roles like education assistants, a position Krekoski had previously held.

Creating a Supportive Learning Environment

The program is grounded in helping children develop a better understanding of their emotions and bodies. Krekoski stated that the focus remains on social and emotional skills, fostering confidence, and ensuring children feel connected to their surroundings. “It’s designed to be a safe, joyful, inclusive space for kiddos,” she added. “We really focus on self-regulation, confidence, and community connection in a very child-led way.”

Chickadee N.E.S.T. operates in the mornings with indoor activities and spends afternoons engaging children outdoors. Activities include time spent on the land, visits to community spaces, and programs led by local community members. Krekoski emphasizes that the program does not aim to criticize public schools. “I don’t think necessarily that the school system is lacking,” she remarked. “There are so many different types of humans, and it’s really hard to kind of fit everyone within a system.”

The program’s early feedback has been positive, with parents noting significant changes in their children. Cynthia Pavlovich, who enrolled her two sons in Chickadee N.E.S.T. this fall, expressed her concerns regarding the level of support her children would receive at school, especially with the reduction of education assistants. “I had some pretty big concerns as to whether or not my kids would be successful,” she said.

Pavlovich’s worries particularly stemmed from her son Carter’s struggles with dyslexia and speech challenges. She decided to seek alternative educational options after Carter expressed interest in the program upon hearing about it from a friend. Since starting at Chickadee N.E.S.T., she has observed noticeable improvements in her sons’ happiness, emotional regulation, and their interactions with each other and their environment.

Future Developments for the Program

Pavlovich highlighted that the program has not only helped her children understand themselves better but has also encouraged open discussions about diagnoses such as ADHD and dyslexia. This has empowered her children to ask for help and advocate for their needs without feeling shame. She hopes to see Chickadee N.E.S.T. expand into a larger community that supports neurodivergent children and celebrates their individuality.

Krekoski acknowledges that the program is still in its early stages, and its growth will depend on factors such as funding, staffing, and community support. There are plans to enhance support for families, including parent coaching and additional programming, as resources become available. “I think it’s really important that there are more options for humans in this zone,” Krekoski said. “I think it’s a really awesome program, and we do hope to expand.”

For now, the immediate focus remains on ensuring stability and meeting the needs of the children already enrolled. The advent of Chickadee N.E.S.T. represents a significant step forward in creating inclusive educational opportunities for neurodivergent children in Yellowknife.