After initially facing cancellation for 2026, SIRCH Community Services says its long-running School’s Cool program will go ahead this summer – thanks to the generosity of community donors and partners.
SIRCH said support from CIBC, the County of Haliburton, and individual donors has made it possible to bring the program back.
For more than 25 years, School’s Cool has supported children in Haliburton County who may need a little extra help before entering Junior Kindergarten. This year’s program will take place at Stuart Baker Elementary School, where a kindergarten classroom has been generously made available.
Up to 21 children will be accepted, with a focus on four-year-olds entering JK this fall who may be experiencing developmental delays or challenges with speech and language, difficulty with social interaction, or low confidence in group settings.
Delivered over six weeks in a small, structured classroom environment, the program focuses on building language, early literacy and numeracy, social skills, emotional regulation, and independence.
“Just as importantly, it helps children feel comfortable, capable, and excited about going to school,” SIRCH said.
The organization added participants typically gain close to a full year of developmental growth—a shift that can change not only how they start school, but how they experience learning moving forward.
Families who are accepted will be contacted by program coordinator Paula White, a retired principal with years of kindergarten experience, who will guide them through the next steps.
SIRCH is also hiring one lead instructor and two additional instructors with backgrounds in teaching, early childhood education, or educational assistance.
Applications are now open. The program will run from July 6 to August 13. The parent fee is $5 per day.
