For the past 23 years, Janet MacDougall has been determined to help children who find themselves on the autism spectrum feel included and valued in North York.
As the director for Yes I Can! Nursery School, MacDougall has helped to develop programs that accommodate the different learning needs, particularly of toddlers with autism.
Sadly, despite the school’s one-of-a-kind programming and strong reputation, it is suffering due to the province’s funding cuts and may soon face closure. In an effort to keep the school running, it has launched a GoFundMe account to try and replace that funding.
The non-profit school’s specialized services were first thought of after a formative encounter MacDougall had with a toddler who had autism in the early ’90s. “They have their own gifts to give the world, and I really like to draw that out of them and have them feel good about where they are,” MacDougall said.
The school’s unique programming has built a strong reputation since. In some cases, parents have moved from different cities in order to be able to enrol their child at the school.
The idea of inclusivity that is encouraged at Yes I Can! could have significant impact on the future, MacDougall said. “It’s [important] because there will be future employers and CEOs who will have gone to Yes I Can! and they’re going to remember that they made a friend who learned differently,” she said. “I hope it will make society far more welcoming then it has been.”