MCFD Website on Early Intervention Programs - Call tool free number for information regarding cuts!

This link provides MCFD information on early intervention programs in BC. The Ministry announces the cuts as not impacting direct services and provides a toll-free phone number for the public with queries about the services provided: URL http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/spec_needs/idp.htm
Early Childhood Intervention

Early childhood intervention services are provided to infants and young children who show signs of, or are at risk of having, a developmental delay or disability. These services are often tailored to the specific needs of each child with the goal of furthering development and enhancing the child’s potential for growth and development. Early and prompt intervention programs can prevent or reduce the consequences of disabling conditions, particularly in young children. Services are also provided to assist families of children with extra support needs to access inclusive child care. "For further information about this change, please call toll free 1 877 387-7027."

Infant Development Program

Provides home-based services for parents of infants up to age three who have, or are at risk for, developmental delay.

Aboriginal Infant Development Program

Provides culturally relevant supports and services to families of children up to school entry who have or are at risk of developmental delays.

Supported Child Development

Provides a range of consulting and support services to children, families and child care centres so that children with extra support needs can participate in fully inclusive child care settings.
SEE OPEN LINK BELOW WITH REFERENCE TO CUTS - SIMILAR TO IDP OF BC.

Aboriginal Supported Child Development

Provides culturally relevant support to assist families of children with extra support needs to access inclusive child care.
NO MENTION OF CUTS IN MARCH IN THIS LINK.

Early Intervention Therapy Program

Provides community-based physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology and family support worker services to preschool children who are at risk of developmental delay or who have a disability and/or developmental delay.
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OPEN LINK to IDP of BC:
B.C. Home » MCFD » Special Needs » Early Childhood Intervention » Infant Development Program
Infant Development Program

The Infant Development Program (IDP) serves children from birth to three years old who are at risk for, or who already have, a delay in development. There are 52 IDPs throughout the province and more than 65,000 infants and their families have participated in the program.

IDP Consultants work with parents to provide a range of services to help children overcome developmental challenges. Participation in the program is voluntary and family centered. Infant Development Programs are available throughout British Columbia. To find a program in your area, click here.

As part of a range of services for children with special needs, IDP Consultants will also help link families with Supported Child Development, Early Intervention Therapy Program and/or Aboriginal Infant Development Programs, depending of the needs of each child.

While the Infant Development Program continues to be offered to all families in BC who need it, MCFD recently made the difficult decision to discontinue the role of the Provincial Advisor for Infant Development Programs. This decision was based on the principle of protecting direct front line Infant Development services to children and families. This will not result in any interruption in services to clients. Families receiving services should continue to work with their usual program contacts in their communities.

For further information about this change, please call toll free 1 877 387-7027.

OPEN LINK TO SUPPORTED CHILD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Supported Child Development

Supported Child Development (SCD) agencies provide a range of consulting and support services to children, families and child care centres so that children with extra support needs can participate in fully inclusive child care settings. This program reaches approximately 9,000 children annually. The program is intended to serve children from birth to age 12, with services for youth 13 - 19 years available in some communities.

Supported Child Development Consultants help determine the family and child's needs and match these with the resources available in their community. Parents are involved at every step as the key partners in their child's success. In addition, SCD Local Advisory Committees (LACs) involve parents and other key government and community partners in many aspects of program planning and service delivery.

Participation in SCD is voluntary and the program is available to all families, including families on or off reserve. While the program is free, parents are responsible for child care fees. Low and middle income families may apply for child care subsidies to assist with child care fees. For more information on child care subsidy click here.

While the Supported Child Development Program continues to be delivered to children with extra support needs throughout BC, MCFD recently made the difficult decision to discontinue the role of the SCD Provincial Advisor. This decision was based on the principle of protecting direct front line Supported Child Development services to children and families. This will not result in any service disruptions for clients. Families receiving services should continue to work with their usual program contacts in their communities.

For further information about this change, please call toll free 1 877 387-7027.

Parents may contact their local SCD agency directly or contact their local MCFD office for information about the program. For a list of SCD agencies click here.