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ProvincialAges 12 to 48 months

Caregiver Mediated Early Years (CMEY)

Last verified: April 2026. Always confirm details on the official page.

Who is eligible for CMEY in Ontario

Children aged 12 to 48 months who are registered with the Ontario Autism Program. Free. Lasts up to 6 months. The age cutoff at 48 months is permanent. If your child is approaching that age, act now.

Eligibility check

  • Age: 12 to 48 months (your child must be in this range when they start)
  • OAP registered: Yes
  • Cost: Free
  • Duration: Up to 6 months per child

The 48 month cutoff is permanent

Once your child turns 48 months, they can no longer start this program. If they turn 48 months during the program, they can finish the current round.

You cannot receive CMEY and Core Clinical at the same time

If you are close to starting Core Clinical, check with your OAP coordinator about timing. Being on the Core Clinical waitlist is fine. Having an active behaviour plan through OAP also makes you ineligible for CMEY.

CMEY is a free program where you, the caregiver, learn play based therapeutic strategies from trained professionals so you can support your child's development at home every day. The goal is for you to feel confident using these approaches long after the program ends.

What does CMEY include

Professionals coach you in strategies during sessions with your child present. Sessions can be one on one, in a group, or both, in person or virtual. The focus areas:

Skill areas

  • Social communication
  • Play
  • Emotional development
  • Adaptive skills (everyday tasks)

How do I access CMEY

AccessOAP sends invitations to eligible families. You do not apply separately. If your child is in the age range and you have not received an invitation, call AccessOAP to ask.

Timeline

  1. AccessOAP sends you an invitation
  2. You are matched with a regional provider
  3. You attend sessions for up to six months
  4. You continue using the strategies at home after the program ends
AccessOAP: 1-833-425-2445

Can I use CMEY alongside other programs

Yes for most programs, no for Core Clinical. You cannot receive CMEY and Core Clinical at the same time. But you can use these alongside CMEY:

What mistakes do families make with CMEY

Not knowing this program exists. Many families with very young children focus only on the Core Clinical waitlist and miss CMEY entirely.
Thinking this is therapy for your child only. Professionals coach you in strategies during sessions. The real value is what you learn to do at home every day.
Declining because Core Clinical might come soon. If Core Clinical has not actually started, CMEY gives your child support right now. Check with your coordinator about timing.
Waiting too long. The 48 month cutoff is permanent. Once your child passes it, access is gone.

Official source

This guide is based on publicly available government information. Always verify with the official page:

Ontario.ca: Caregiver Mediated Early Years Programs (opens in new tab)

Last verified against official source: April 2026

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What to do next

Sign up for Foundational Family Services now

Free workshops and consultations you can use alongside CMEY. No invitation needed. Contact a provider directly.

See how to sign up for FFS →

Check if Entry to School applies next

For children ages 3 to 6 entering kindergarten or Grade 1. The next age gated program after CMEY. Invitation from AccessOAP required.

See the Entry to School guide →

Apply for SSAH if you have not already

Separate provincial funding for respite and daily supports. Not income tested. Does not affect your OAP status.

See how to apply for SSAH →

Not sure what other programs may apply?

Find programs