Nova's Ark – Where Special is Welcome

Nova’s Ark has been deemed an essential service. Please contact us at 905-706-1009 for more information.

Building

Acceptance

through

Understanding

view our programs

We are a school with no walls

opportunities

to think

Outside of the Box

view our programs

providing

welcome,

Different and unique

simply be you!

view our programs

Land Acknowledgement. Nova’s Ark acknowledges that we gather on the traditional territory included in the William’s Treaties comprised of the Mississauga’s of Scugog Island First Nation, a group within the Anishinaabeg Nation, including the Algonquin, Chippewa, Odawa, Ojibway, and Pottawatomi Peoples. As an inclusive facility, we acknowledge the deep traumas that the Indigenous Peoples have endured in the past and continue to face in the present. Nova’s Ark works through the many traumas of our unique families with dignity and respect. As settlers in this area, we value our learning environment which brings together friends from different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and ages. We take pride in the natural learning environment and the curiosity it provides us. We are grateful for the many plants and trees that peacefully surround us. We are grateful for the many birds who regularly visit and sing to us. We are grateful for the scampering of the chipmunks, squirrels, and rabbits who cross our paths every day and for those who quietly observe us from afar. We are grateful for the slithering snakes and the croaking frogs who remind us how fragile nature can be. We are grateful for the buzzing of the bees and the many insects that share their homes with us. We are very thankful for the clean creek water that gently flows throughout the forest sustaining life for all. Nova’s Ark is committed to deepening our understanding and need to become more connected to the land by honouring and respecting the stewardship of the First Nations People. We invite the Indigenous Elders to come and honour the land, to encourage the use of the land for the purpose of ceremonies. We are committed to sharing the land’s resources with the Indigenous Community in whatever ways possible. Together, we will create awareness of the importance of the nature connection to this land and ALL of the inhabitants of Turtle Island. Thank you to our amazing staff, mentors, guests, families of Nova’s Ark, and the Durham College First Peoples Indigenous Centre for your collaboration.

Programs

Nova’s Ark programs are designed to fit individual needs. We focus on the individual’s strengths and enhance their strategies for success. Each person shines in their own way and our goal is to empower them to be who they are.

Out of the Box

Learn More

Summer Program

Learn More

Internships

We provide clinical partnerships with over 10 Universities and Colleges across Ontario.

University

Education
Occupational Therapy
Social Work
Early Childhood Studies
Child and Youth Studies
Recreational Therapy

University Placement

College

Child and Youth Workers
Early Childhood Educators
Human Resource
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Personal Care Workers
Public Relations
Recreation & Leisure Services
Social Services Worker
Mental Health and Addiction Worker

College Placement

Animal Care

Animal Care
Animal Care Assistants
Veterinary Tech Assistants

Animal Care

Animal Assisted Therapy

Nova’s Ark is home to a variety of animals, each with their own unique story to share.

Animal Therapy

Animal Assisted Therapy

We strive to improve the lives of our guests through education of Academic, Behavioral, Cognitive, and Social Skills.

Facilitated by one of Nova’s Ark’s animal care mentors, in conjunction with a member of the guest mentorship team.

Involves a mutually beneficial and therapeutic experience for both the animal and guest.

The “Zones of Regulation” of the specific animal and the guest are closely monitored, to ensure a positive experience for all involved.

details

Animal Focus

Animal Assisted Therapy

It is important to have teachers & therapists engaging students to learn and parents involved in both student programs and school activities.

Facilitated by one of our Nova’s Ark guests in collaboration with an animal care mentor.

Process involving animal selection, research and an individualized mini-presentation, followed by an opportunity to observe, touch and/or hold our animal friends.

Animal care mentor provides guidance to ensure the dignity and respect of the animals are maintained.

details

Animal Interaction

Animal Assisted Therapy

We strive to improve the lives of our students through education of Academic, Behavioral, Cognitive, and Social Skills.

Facilitated by one of Nova’s Ark’s animal care mentors who ensures the dignity and respect of our animals.

Sharing of knowledge and an opportunity to observe, touch, and/or hold our animal friends.

May involve participation in animal care duties.

details

Testimonials

From the moment our son started attending Novas Ark, we felt such positivity, hope and inspiration. Everyone in the Nova’s Ark family has been so caring and accepting of our whole family. Nova’s Ark has gone above and beyond to help us on our family’s journey and we are beyond thankful. We are so lucky to have found such a supportive environment for our children and our family.