FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
About Chickadee
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Chickadee is not a school and is not meant to replace your child’s education. Instead, our programs can work alongside their existing academic learning plan.
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Chickadee is based in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. Our programs and camps start and end at our indoor space, with daily activities also taking place outdoors on the land and at different locations throughout the community. We’ll share specific location details when you register.
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Our regular N.E.S.T. program runs Monday to Thursday. Morning sessions are 8:30–11:30 a.m. and afternoon sessions are 12:30–3:30 p.m. Hours vary for PD Days, camps and other programs. Check individual program pages for specific times.
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Our mornings are based at our indoor space in Yellowknife, while afternoons get us outside on the land and into the community. Locations vary depending on what we have planned for the day.
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Chickadee welcomes all children, including those who are neurodivergent, who are simply looking for a different way to learn and connect. A formal diagnosis is not required.
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We keep our groups small, with a minimum staff-to-child ratio of 1:5 in all our programs.
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We offer 1:1 support for children who need a little extra help to participate. Tell us about your child's needs when you register and we'll talk with you about what support might look like.
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For our regular N.E.S.T. program, families register for a minimum of four half-day sessions per month. PD Days and seasonal camps have no minimum commitment and can be booked individually.
Registration, Fees and Availability
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Start by filling out our online registration form. Once we receive it, our Program Director will review your information and reach out to confirm availability and walk you through the next steps. Visit our Registration page to get started.
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Please register at least two weeks before you’d like your child to start. All required forms and payment must be completed at least seven days before their first day. Registering early gives us time to get to know your child and make sure everything is ready for their first day.
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Space depends on availability, staffing and the support your child needs. We'll confirm your child's spot with you once we've reviewed your registration.
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If a program is full, you can join our waitlist. Simply choose the program and date you’re interested in and we’ll contact you if a space becomes available.
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Financial assistance may be available depending on current funding and eligibility. Through funding from Unity for Autism, children with diagnosed or suspected ASD may be eligible for subsidized tuition or 1:1 support. We’ll discuss any available funding options with you in more detail during the registration and enrolment process.
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Once your child’s space is confirmed, we’ll set you up in Lillio, the secure platform we use for family communication, forms and payments. We’ll send your invoice through Lillio along with the rest of your onboarding information. Payment is due before your child starts.
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Absolutely. Contact our program director Caitlin to arrange a visit. You’re also welcome to join your child on their first day, or for as many visits as they need to feel comfortable and settle in.
Day-to-Day at Chickadee
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Drop-off and pick-up are at the same location each day in Yellowknife, even when our adventures take us outdoors or into the community. We’ll share the location and everything you need to know during onboarding.
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Once your child is enrolled, we’ll get you set up in Lillio. This is where we stay connected throughout the day with updates, photos and daily reports, and manage important information about your child, forms, attendance and payments.
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Absolutely. You can connect with us through Lillio or contact Chickadee staff directly. We’ll provide all the contact information you need during onboarding.
Partners and Community
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We’d love to hear from you. Partnerships at Chickadee can be big or small, one-time or ongoing. You might share a skill or culture, create an experience on the land, welcome our kids into your space or bring an idea we can build together.
Visit Partners and Community to learn more or get in touch with an idea.
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Yes. We offer training, coaching and consultation to help organizations and professionals better understand the needs of children and families and bring more inclusive and accessible practices into their work.
Training can explore things like communication, programming, sensory-friendly spaces and other everyday practices, with practical strategies shaped around your organization and the people you support. Contact us for more information.
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Yes! You can support Chickadee through donations and sponsorships.
Visit Impact & Support to learn more.
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With parent or caregiver consent, we can work with teachers, schools and other professionals supporting your child to share information and help create consistency across their different environments.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
We’re happy to help.
Reach out to our team for more information.