SYM - School for Young Moms (formerly TEAM)

The SYM program has two locations, one in Cobourg at Northumberland CIS, located at Grant Sine and one in Bowmanville at Clarington CIS. The SYM program enables pregnant teens and mothers under the age of 25 to:

• continue their high school education
• develop their parenting skills
• address their emotional, social and physical needs, and
• receive onsite care for their infants up to 18 months

Young women achieve these outcomes with the assistance of professional staff and volunteers from a variety of community organizations.

Work Towards High School Completion

Students enrolled in the SYM program have the chance to:

• Earn high school credits
• Work at their own pace
• Receive help from the designated SYM teacher
• Attend Monday to Friday throughout the school year
• Have their own timetable
• Access secondary school resources and programs

What does the SYM program look like?

The SYM program is located within two adjoining rooms.  These deisgnated rooms offer a classroom for students to work on their courses and participate in parenting programs, plus an adjoining room for child minding activities.

A typical day at SYM is split into two parts:

In the mornings, moms will work on academics in the classroom while babies are cared for in the adjoining infant room.  A caring and understanding certified teacher works with each young woman to individualize an academic timetable designed to meet her special needs.

Mothers and babies share lunch together, with a focus on nutrition planning and proper food preparation.

In the afternoons, moms and tots take part in a wide range of fun and educational parenting workshops and programs designed to meet their unique needs and interests.

There are a wide range of community support agencies that lend consistent support and resources tot eh program through workshops, information sessions, field trips, and individual consultations.

Infant and Toddler Care

Infants up to 18 months are cared for in the child-minding room, adjacent to the classroom.  Moms can visit this area to feed and attend to their babies at any time.  The room is staffed with a qualified early childhood educator, experienced volunteers, and co-op students.

Age-appropriate sensory activiteis, circle and song time are offered daily.  Educational toys and books are also available for toddlers to engage in.  There is plenty of quiet time and cuddle time too.

To learn more about the School for Young Moms program or to book a registration appointment, please call:

TEAM Cobourg

(905) 372-1697

SYM Cobourg is a partnership among the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board, YWCA Early Years Centres, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit, John Howard Society Durham Region, United Way of Northumberland, Northumberland Counselling Centre and Northumberland County Social Services.