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While you wait
Last verified: April 2026. Always confirm details on the official page.
The Core Clinical wait is years. But you do not have to wait doing nothing. Foundational Family Services are free and available now with no invitation. SSAH is a separate program you can apply for today. And if your child is young, CMEY and Entry to School have hard age windows that close permanently.
What programs can I use while waiting for Core Clinical
Foundational Family Services
Free for all OAP registered families. No invitation needed. Caregiver workshops, peer mentoring, short consultations, transition support, and group sessions.
See how to sign up →
Most families on the waitlist do not know these exist
Foundational Family Services is available now while you wait for Core Clinical. No invitation needed. You contact a provider in your region and sign up directly. You can register as many times as you want.
Are there age limited programs my child could miss
These programs have hard age windows. If your child is in range, act now. Once the window closes, access is permanently lost.
Caregiver Mediated Early Years (CMEY)
Play-based program for children 12 to 48 months. Caregiver coaching from a clinician. Free. Available while waiting for Core Clinical. You cannot receive CMEY and Core Clinical at the same time.
See how to enroll →
Entry to School (ages 3 to 6)
Six month group program building school readiness for kindergarten or Grade 1. Invitation from OAP required.
See how it works →
How should I prepare for when funding arrives
- Research providers. When funding arrives you need to pick providers quickly. Start looking at BCBAs, SLPs, and OTs in your area now. Search the OAP Provider List (opens in new tab)
- Learn how to choose a provider. Know what questions to ask, what to look for, and what red flags to avoid. Read the provider guide
- Understand therapy types.ABA, speech therapy, and OT work differently. Talk to your child's pediatrician about what your child needs most.
- Build routines at home. Foundational Family Services workshops teach practical strategies you can use right now.
- Start tracking expenses early. Once funding starts, you need to submit receipts. Get organized now. You will need originals for 7 years.
What should I have ready before my invitation arrives
Get these ready now
- A short list of providers you want to contact first. Availability changes, but having names ready saves weeks.
- Your child's diagnostic report, AccessOAP registration confirmation, and any assessment reports. Keep these in one folder.
- A basic understanding of what Core Clinical covers and what it does not.
- A system for tracking receipts and invoices. You will need to report expenses before each payment installment.
Core Clinical guide
What it covers, funding amounts, and what to expect when your invitation arrives.
Read the Core Clinical guide →
What do families most often miss while waiting
What to do next
Pick one thing from this list and do it today.
Sign up for Foundational Family Services
Free workshops and consultations available now. No invitation needed. Most families on the waitlist do not know these exist.
See how to sign up for FFS →
Apply for SSAH if you have not already
Separate provincial program for respite and daily supports. You can hold SSAH and OAP at the same time. Many families miss years of funding.
See how to apply for SSAH →
Start researching providers now
Good providers fill up fast. When your invitation arrives, you need to choose quickly. Start building a shortlist.
Read the provider guide →
Check that you have applied for everything
DTC, SSAH, ACSD, and IEP are all separate programs. Make sure you are not missing any.
See all funding guides →
Get organized before your invitation arrives
Download the free OAP Expense Tracker so you are ready to manage invoices and receipts from day one.
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