New Yellowknife Program Empowers Neurodivergent Children

A newly launched educational initiative in Yellowknife aims to provide tailored learning experiences for children with neurodivergent conditions, such as autism, dyslexia, and attention disorders. The program, named Chickadee N.E.S.T. (Nurture, Engage, Support, Thrive), opened its doors this fall, offering small group settings designed to foster emotional regulation, confidence, and community connection.

Caitlin Krekoski, the program director and co-founder, developed the concept based on her personal experiences as a parent. “I realized that my own kiddos don’t feel super awesome all the time in public school,” she remarked, expressing a desire for a more flexible, accommodating learning environment. The initiative is specifically designed for children aged six to twelve, allowing families to choose part-time or full-time enrollment based on individual needs.

Flexible Learning Tailored for Individual Needs

The Chickadee N.E.S.T. program emphasizes social and emotional skills development, helping children understand their emotions and how to manage them effectively. Krekoski stated that the program is “designed to be a safe, joyful, inclusive space for kiddos,” with a focus on self-regulation and community engagement.

Activities are structured to balance indoor learning with outdoor exploration, featuring time on the land, visits to community spaces, and programs led by local community members. Krekoski clarified that the program does not seek to undermine the public education system. “There are so many different types of humans,” she said, acknowledging the challenge of accommodating diverse learning needs within traditional frameworks.

The discussion around establishing Chickadee N.E.S.T. had been ongoing for several years, but recent changes to Jordan’s Principle prompted Krekoski and her team to advance their plans. These changes resulted in reductions of educational support staff, which affected both Krekoski, who previously worked as an education assistant, and the children she aims to support.

Community Impact and Parental Support

Feedback from parents underscores the importance of this new program. Cynthia Pavlovich, who enrolled her two sons in the program, expressed concerns about the diminishing support available within the public school system. “With the school system taking out a lot of the education assistants this year, I had some pretty big concerns as to whether or not my kids would be successful,” she shared.

Pavlovich sought alternatives for her son Carter, who faces challenges related to dyslexia and speech. Her decision to enroll her sons followed Carter’s interest after hearing about the program from a friend. Since starting at Chickadee N.E.S.T., Pavlovich has noticed significant improvements in her children’s well-being. “I’ve seen some huge growth with my boys,” she noted, highlighting their increased happiness and ability to regulate their emotions.

The program is also fostering a deeper understanding of neurodiversity among its participants. Pavlovich emphasized the value of openly discussing diagnoses like ADHD and dyslexia, which has empowered her children to advocate for their needs without shame. She hopes to see the program evolve into a larger community that celebrates each child’s unique strengths.

Krekoski is committed to expanding Chickadee N.E.S.T. as resources allow. Future plans include offering parent coaching and additional programming to further support families. As the initiative continues to grow, Krekoski remains focused on ensuring that the program meets the needs of the children currently enrolled. “I think it’s really important that there are more options for humans in this zone,” she concluded, emphasizing the significance of such programs in fostering inclusive educational environments.