I noticed him using the conversation skills from the sessions so I would like him to re-register and build on it!"
Our kiddo had such a great time today, he came out with a huge smile on his face. Thankyou!
This is literally the first thing that my son did not want to quit! I couldn't believe it!
My boy, 9, went this summer and LOVED it! He had so much fun. Got in the car and was non stop laughing about the games they played and the kids he met. We are planning to do another session!"
Its been life changing for my son's desire for connection with his peers!"
I have noticed my child's confidence increase for the first time in a long time. We will definitely register for the next session. Thank you!"
This group has helped him immensely. It allowed him to try something new, that gently challenged him in an inclusive environment, and supported him where he's at in his social development.
Social Skill/Fun Group
(Autism focused)
NEW: Summer programming link
Bloom Learning Centre runs social skill/fun groups for autistic children and teens as well as the PEERs program throughout the year. Find out more below and reach out with any other questions!
Note: formerly run under "CMoore in Education."
Major Funding Information (FSCD)
NOTE: Major Funding Update - We are approved to direct bill FSCD (as of Feb 2024).
MAJOR UPDATE ON FUNDING/SUPPORT THROUGH FSCD:
NEW: As of February 1, 2024, Bloom Learning Centre can now DIRECT BILL FSCD and that can be a huge help for families. The process would be for the family to ask the caseworker if the program can be added to their family contract (aligning with the child's goals). If that is approved, you simply let us know via verbally or through email and Bloom Learning Centre will send you an invoice to sign/approve and we will send it to FSCD for direct billing. You do NOT have to pay out of pocket and be reimbursed.
As of May 8th, 2023, moving forward, families can approach their FSCD Caseworkers to determine if the family meets the criteria through Behavioral Developmental Supports (BDS). Guardians are encouraged to contact their FSCD caseworker to determine if the child meets criteria for additional funding supports through the FSCD Program.
NOTE: This only applies if your child has a contract through FSCD. If you do not have a current contract and would like to apply, here is the link to find out more: FSCD - How to apply | Alberta.ca
PEERs Fall 2026
We have wrapped up our winter 2025 PEERs program and plan to run a new 14 week round of PEERs in Sept 2026 again. If you think this would benefit your teen, reach out to your caseworker now to see if approval can be made now in preparation.
Feel free to contact us about the fall PEERs program now or contact your FSCD caseworker to see if this can be covered in your contract.
PEERS Program: Formal Social Skill Program for Teens
(Autism focused but open to any participant wanting these skills)
*NOTE: This group is different from our Social Skill/fun groups
September 2026 will be the next round of PEERs programming for Grande Prairie and area.
NOTE: We are accepting applications for the fall PEERs group now. Fill out the intake form below if interested in finding out more or signing your teen up.
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Who is this for? Teens aged 13-17 (autism focused but open to any participant wanting to improve social skills and unlock these skills)
OVERALL FOCUS: Learn How to Make and Keep Friends: Making and keeping friends can be hard for everyone, but it can be a special challenge for autistic teens.
What is PEERS? PEERS is a world-renowned, evidence-based social skills program for autistic teens. Developed by UCLA researchers, it is delivered by certified trainers in over 80 countries around the world and now including Grande Prairie, AB.
In this 14-week program, young adults with autism, with the help of their social coaches*, will learn how to:
-Use appropriate conversational skills
-Choose appropriate friends
-Appropriately/Safely use electronic forms of communication
-Use humor and assess humor feedback
-Start, enter, and exit conversations between peers
-Organize successful get-togethers with friends
-Develop romantic relationships and use appropriate dating etiquette
-Handle arguments and disagreements with friends and in relationships
-Handle rejection, teasing, bullying, and rumors/gossip
*Social coaches (a parent, a support worker, an adult sibling, a friend, etc.) will learn effective coaching techniques to reinforce the weekly learning. Note: Parent/social coaches are not required to attend the sessions with the teen but can provide support at home for the weekly practicing of skills.
Is PEERS for You?
-Participants must be 13-17 years old
-Must have academic skills at grade 6 or higher
-Verbal abilities to handle fast-paced instruction
-Motivation to attend
-Must have at least one parent, legal guardian or 'social coach' consistently available to actively support the follow up/practice suggested each week
LOCATION:
106C 8805 Resources Road (Back of Hayes Fry Law - Railtown in GP, AB) (At Bloom Learning)
REGISTRATION: FALL 2026 PEERS PROGRAM REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
NOTE: An initial screening assessment will be conducted to ensure the appropriateness of the program application. Please fill in an intake form on this page to inquire and to apply.
INVESTMENT
A $1600 registration fee is due upon acceptance to the program (unless you have it preapproved in your FSCD contract and we will direct bill FSCD the entirety of the fee). Please contact Bloom Learning Centre through email initially to discuss the full program cost. If cost is a barrier, we will work with you to find a suitable solution. The full program cost may be covered by health benefits or FSCD.
NEW: Online participation now available for an investment of $800 (half the in person investment). Contact us if you are interested in this option. We will provide the zoom link for your teen to use to join us. Same dates. *Not recorded sessions for privacy. NOTE: You are welcome to join us in person for the 'graduation celebration' if you choose online.
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Social Skill Building/Fun Groups
We are currently running our 6 session cycles and are open to both new and returning participants. If you are new to our programming, fill out an intake form (below) or if returning, email us to see about a potential spot!
NOTE: These child/teen social/fun group sessions are NOT the PEERS sessions.
If you are interested and have not yet filled out an intake form (scroll down to find it), please do so. If you are a returning participant, simply email us at bloomlearninggp@gmail.com to express your interest. Make a payment to hold that spot for your child or if you have an active FSCD contract, and have the program added to your contract, share that confirmation with us and we will direct bill for that cycle.
GENERAL INFORMATION on SOCIAL SKILL FUN GROUPS
Are you looking for a place for your 6-8, 9-12 or 13-17 year old with autism to go and have fun with friends in a safe and supportive environment? Would you feel more comfortable and confident knowing that two adults with education and experience with autism will be there to help with social skill building while your child has a great time in a social setting making new friends/connections? If yes, please consider signing your child up for our 6 week social group!
As parents and community members, we saw a lack of social skill supports and groups that are specifically for autistic pre-teens/teens in Grande Prairie. Having the knowledge and passion to provide such a group, we began offering sessions in February of 2023. We run the groups for six weeks with parents having a chance to sign up again for the next six or have a group of new kids join us.
Please fill out the intake form below so we can contact you and answer any other questions. (NOTE: For summer camp weeks, fill out the form at Summer Camps | My Site instead.)
We will be informing the parents of the children chosen to participate so that you can make plans for your child to attend (including transportation) and payment. Since we only have 8 spots, you may be put on a waitlist.
Please note your child must meet the following criteria to attend:
-have an official autism diagnosis (*if in the process of getting a diagnosis, let us know - we want to serve who needs it)
-be between the ages of 13-17 (inclusive) or 9-12 or 6-8 years old
-have verbal abilities to keep up with some conversation and direction
-must be a willing participant (being nervous or uncertain is completely understandable especially at the beginning)
-must not exhibit any behaviours that may harm self or others (for safety of all participants) *including offensive/inappropriate verbal harassment
The participants will need transportation to and from the chosen venue each week. You are not required to stay for the session but will need to pick your child up promptly at the end of the session.
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How to pay for these sessions to hold your spot before getting confirmation on acceptance:
The cost of the groups are to be paid in advance to hold your child's spot and must be paid at time of acceptance (receiving an email of acceptance from the Bloom Learning account: Each fee paid (EFT) to bloomlearninggp@gmail.com. If your child misses any sessions for any reason, there will not be a refund.
*If you prefer to pay with cash, that is completely acceptable.
IMPORTANT: Our social group is a safe and caring environment where participants are to build friendships and feel joy. To ensure this, moderate to severe behaviors will not be tolerated and will be removed without a refund if we have safety concerns for your child or any other participant. Please review group criteria for reference.
Bloom Learning Centre is a registered and insured business. You will, however, need to fill out a liability form prior to participating. We are officially approved by and supervised by a local registered psychologist and occupational therapist who have approved our materials, procedures and format.