STEPS Program Overview
The STEPS program (Successful Transition from Elementary to Post-Secondary) is for students with learning disabilities and/or ADHD and their families in the Kingston and surrounding areas. In STEPS, we work on building self-advocacy skills, self-knowledge, and self-esteem. This program is an excellent resource for students who could benefit from this extra support through the transition to high school. Program activities include information and training sessions for students and parents/guardians during the school year, as well as a week-long summer program to teach Assistive Technology and prepare for high school.
Program Goals
STEPS supports students and their parents/guardians as they approach the transition to high school. Our goal is to give students the tools they will need to be successful in secondary school, which will lead to further success in post-secondary school.
- Teach students about their individual learning profile and learning challenges (such as learning disabilities and ADHD)
- Promote self-knowledge and self-advocacy
- Support parents/guardians in understanding how their child learns, their child's rights and responsibilities, and how to support their child in and out of the school environment
- Train students in Assistive Technology, and explain how and why these accommodations can help students learn
- Prepare students for the upcoming transition and what changes to expect at secondary school
Applications are accepted in the students grade 7 year, from October to February. Program activities begin in fall of the grade 8 year and run through the summer before grade 9. For information about the program, eligibility criteria, and to complete an application, please see the flyer and application forms below.
To hear from former students and parents, please watch this video:
The STEPS program made a difference for me – I liked learning how to talk to my teachers about my learning needs and it made me feel more comfortable when I actually did it. It also helped me with being able to meet new people because coming into the program without knowing anybody prepared me for the first day of high school when I also didn’t know anybody. Also my parents seem to get me more now and believe me when I say I am trying my hardest. So, ya it was good.
Jaden
STEPS Student
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to apply for the STEPS program, students must:
- Be currently in their grade 7 year (will be in grade 8 in 2027)
- Have a diagnosed learning disability or ADHD (or have a history that strongly suggests the possibility of undiagnosed LD or ADHD)
- Have a recent psychoeducational assessment (less than 2 years old)
- If you do not have a recent assessment, RARC can provide one. There is a fee for the assessment (with flexible payment options over a 1-year period). For more information about the psychoeducational assessment for the STEPS program, visit Transition Program Assessments.
STEPS Information Session
Information sessions are offered for Grade 7 families interested in learning more about the STEPS program and application process.
We will be hosting two virtual information sessions via Zoom. The STEPS Virtual Information Zoom Sessions will run on:
Tuesday, November 24, 2026, at 6:00pm – 7:00pm; and
Tuesday, January 26, 2027, at 6:00pm – 7:00pm
or join with Meeting ID: 975 5663 5697 and Passcode: 617242
I thoroughly enjoyed the STEPS program. It provided lots of information about IEPs and the process of Special Education and it gave specific resources that helped my child at school. Although I had prior knowledge about some of the school-related information, it was extremely helpful for my son. He was receptive to the information being delivered by someone other than his parents, and being in a group of his peers reinforced his self confidence as a smart and capable person. I highly recommend the program.
Jenna
STEPS Parent
Applications
Please click the buttons below to access and download the STEPS Information Flyer and Application package. Applications are due by February 28, 2027.
STEPS Information Flyer (PDF) STEPS Application Package (PDF)
***To complete the application digitally, please download and open the document using the desktop version of Adobe.
Contact Information
For more information, please contact our Transitions Coordinator, Gillian Goldsmith, at:
steps@queensu.ca (preferred)
(613) 533-6564
Completed registration packages can be sent by fax, via email or dropped off in person. For confidentiality reasons, electronic packages should be password protected or sent via a secure portal such as to steps@queensu.ca. Packages can be dropped off in-person to RARC during work hours (9:00am-12:00pm or 1pm-4:00pm, Monday-Thursday). Please do not leave packages unattended outside of RARC's office.
***Please note that our office will be closed for in-person package deliveries from December 21, 2026 - January 1, 2027 (inclusive).