Mel Henderson
BA
Social Programs & Case Manager
Learn More Small Group Instruction
Targeted learning support, small-group connection, and confidence-building in a neuroaffirming setting.
Who
Learners in grades K-12 who need targeted academic support, are building confidence and social skills, and thrive in an inclusive, neuroaffirming group setting.
Where
In person at our East Vancouver Learning Centre.
When
Sessions are 50 minutes long and run twice per week, with families able to choose either Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays. Available session times are between 2:30 PM and 7:20 PM.
Program Description
The Small Group Instruction Program provides targeted academic support in a neuroaffirming group setting. Students are placed in small cohorts and receive focused, explicit instruction in reading, comprehension, written expression, or math. Each learner is carefully matched with others, and there is a maximum of three learners per instructor.
Sessions are designed to build both skills and confidence. Through peer learning strategies, students engage in shared problem-solving, give and receive feedback, and learn alongside peers in a supportive environment. Instruction is strengths-based and inclusive, helping reduce stigma and normalize diverse learning profiles.
Each session also includes support for social-emotional learning, with practice of skills such as listening, turn-taking, flexible thinking, and peer support.
Apply NowProgram Details
Who is the Program For?
This program is a good fit for students who:
- Benefit from learning with peers at a similar grade level
- Need targeted support in specific academic skill areas
- Are building confidence and independence as learners
- Would benefit from structured opportunities to practice social and collaborative skills
- Learn best in an inclusive, neuroaffirming environment
- Do not require one-to-one support to participate effectively in a group setting
Program Fees
The Small Group Instruction full fee is $77/hour. As with all our programs, this fee is on a sliding scale based on household income.
The fees below are for the 26/27 academic year. The RISE One-to-One Fees are available here as a reference.
| Household Income | Small Group Instruction Hourly Fee | RISE One-to-One Hourly Fee |
|---|---|---|
| $0–$30,000 | $10.25 | $16.25 |
| $30,000–$70,000 | $10.25 | $16.25 |
| $70,000–$85,000 | $30.00 | $56.25 |
| $85,000–$120,000 | $52.00 | $95.00 |
| $120,000–$160,000 | $67.00 | $100.00 |
| $160,000+ | $77.00 | $106.00 |
Find the Right Fit for Your Child
We offer different learning pathways because every child’s needs, goals, and learning styles are unique.
RISE One-to-One Instruction provides highly individualized support, with flexible pacing and goals tailored to each learner.
Small Group Instruction offers a structured, collaborative environment where students work toward shared academic goals while learning alongside peers. In these sessions, students benefit from explicit instruction in key focus areas while also building communication, self-regulation, and confidence in group settings.
Both approaches offer meaningful support—they simply serve different purposes. Some families choose one, while others combine both to support their child’s growth.
Use the guide below to compare your options and find the best fit for your child right now.
Comparing Learning Options: One-to-One and Small Group Instruction
Feature | RISE One-to-One | Small Group Instruction |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Individualized skill development and building confidence | Skill development, application in a group setting, and building confidence |
| Best For | Targeted, individualized support | Building confidence, interaction, and applied skills |
| Learning Environment | One-to-one, highly personalized | Small, structured group |
| Pacing | Fully individualized | Shared pace with group flexibility |
| Focus Areas | Fully customized to learner | Selected focus areas (e.g., phonics, math, study skills) |
| High School Focus | Individual academic needs | Study skills & executive functioning |
| Social-Emotional Learning | Embedded, individualized | Embedded and practiced with peers |
| Opportunities to Practice with Peers | Not applicable | Core part of the experience |
| Session Frequency | Flexible | 2x per week (consistent structure) |
| Group Formation | Not applicable | Cohorts formed based on goals, schedules, and fit |
| Ongoing Feedback | Session-by-session updates after each lesson | Weekly updates reflecting progress across sessions |
| Progress Monitoring | Mid-year and end-of-year reports | Mid-year and end-of-year reports |
| Case Management | Yes | Yes |
| Informal Assessments | Yes | Yes |
Instructors & Case Managers
See all instructors
Become a Donor
Thank you to our supporters who contribute to making our programming accessible for families in need. If you would like to contribute to our bursary fund to ensure all students have access to the educational support they deserve, please consider making a monthly or one-time donation.
Donate Contact UsDiscover Similar Programs
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- 4-5 and 6-7
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- Dates/Times
- Thursdays from 4:00 – 5:20pm. Grade 4-5 Explorers from Sept 17 – Jan 14; Grade 6-7 Explorers Jan 28 – May 27
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Our comprehensive learning support is personalized to meet each student’s learning goals. Get support in foundational skills – literacy and/or math and school skills – executive function, self-regulation for learning, studying, homework and coursework.
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- 5 – 18
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- Live online, East Vancouver & North Vancouver Learning Centres, and at Schools
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Summer Tutoring
One-to-one summer tutoring in Greater Vancouver or live online across BC for students with ADHD & learning differences.
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- Kindergarten – 12
- Where
- Live online and at our learning centres in East Vancouver and North Vancouver
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Thank you to our Donors
Our donors play a vital role in sustaining our programming. We are so grateful for their continued support of children and youth in our community with learning differences.