From Our Family to Yours
We knew from very early on that the traditional system was not going to be suitable for our son’s learning and development needs. When we moved to Nanaimo, and started researching other learning options for our son, Claro was very quickly put on the table. The word on the street from other parents and professionals alike was that Claro was definitely worth exploring. So we did, and from the first time we walked through the doors and met with past program coordinator, Kim MacIntyre, we knew Claro was where we wanted our child to be. Our son is now in his third program year at Claro. When he started we were very hopeful and excited at the possibilities but we had also learned to always try to remain cautious in our expectations. Within months, Claro had not only exceeded our expectations but had shown us so many new possibilities for our child’s learning and development. Gavin found his voice at Claro. He is supported unconditionally in his unique learning abilities, and most importantly he has found a community at Claro who inspire him to be whatever amazing version of himself he wants to be. As parents there are always so many unknowns that we just have to become comfortable with in regard to the development of our child. But what we know for sure is that when our son walks in the door at Claro every morning, he is welcome, he is accepted, he is safe, he is supported, he is challenged, he is encouraged, he is celebrated and he is genuinely cared for.
~Michelle & Dominic Rockall
I have two children who have been going to Claro for the past seven years. I can’t say enough about what a wonderful place it is. Our previous experience was a nightmare for our family. My kids would come home crying, angry and distraught. Claro is a place of acceptance, inclusion and caring. The mentors are all committed to ensuring a child’s success. They are also there for the families as well. My children have both become wonderful young adults with a future ahead of them! Thank-you Claro.
~Karen Dalton
The changes that I have seen in my son from the time we’ve spent at Claro have been absolutely remarkable. I truly believe Claro has GIVEN William his life... and as parents we are finally being heard! I always knew my child was different - but the ‘traditional school system’ would not listen to my concerns. Yes - they could tell he was brilliant, so they just kept putting him through. He fell deeper and deeper inside himself. Became totally withdrawn. And just so unhappy. Finally, in grade 9, I listened to my gut and pulled him out of school, after just a horrible experience. It was then that I had him tested, and sure enough - we got the autism diagnosis. With the amazing help from Kleos Open Learning - DL, we were introduced to Claro.
I have watched William go from withdrawn, alone, and absolutely miserable every day… fighting to get him to go to school... to thriving! To him telling ME to hurry up and get him to Claro EARLY each day for social time. Just looking in his eyes I see life. I see happiness. I see excitement. I see confidence. I now have a child who is the most social in our family! He has made the best friends at Claro - they spend all day together there, and then they’re hanging out evenings and weekends too. They fit in. They connect. At Claro not only are they learning about life skills, but they are really learn to live!
William is now in grade 12 - but since we LOVE Claro so much, we have decided to stretch out his time there for an extra year. The lessons he’s learning - the friends he’s making - the life he’s being given - his future is looking so bright!! All the AWESOME that Claro is doing for him… I truly cannot say enough good about the program, the staff, the students, the other parents, and the everything at Claro. A MILLION THANK YOUs!
~Ro Little
Learn. Grow. Shine.