Infant Development Program
Program Description
If you are concerned about your child’s development, the Infant Development Program can help.
The Infant Development Program serves children from birth to three years old, who are at risk for or who already have a delay in development. The Infant Development Program is a home based program designed to assist families to encourage their child’s development.
While all children grow and change at their own rate, sometimes a delay in one or more areas can cause concern for parents, family members, and professionals. Early intervention services, like the Infant Development Program, address a difficulty or delay in a child’s development. Research shows that when addressed early on, a child’s patterns of development and interaction with his/her family and community has greater success. Because children have complex needs, early intervention often involves a team of professionals from various disciplines.
Infant Development consultants—fully trained in the field of child development and sensitive to family dynamics—play a critical role in helping to establish the family’s acceptance, support and involvement in the life of their child. Infant Development services are a critical part of any early intervention program and this is where families usually start when they have concerns about their child’s development. Here, parents can learn how to make the best use of available services, increase their knowledge of child growth and development, and learn skills to encourage their child’s progress.
We provide:
Screening and Assessment
Determines a child’s developmental level using a variety of methods, both formal and informal. The assessment process is complex and ongoing, reflecting the changing needs of the child and the family.
Home Visits
One on one support in the family home or in our playroom which ever location feels more comfortable.
Program Planning
Consultants work with the family to plan and evaluate the progress of their child. Program designs are flexible to accommodate ongoing changes in child and family circumstances.
Family Support
Lay counseling, parent-to-parent links, and referrals to other family support programs. We support the family in their contact with other professionals and assist them to become effective advocates for their child.
Groups
A weekly parent and tot playgroup, a music group, infant massage groups and other parenting groups when appropriate.
Equipment and Resources
Resources and information on development-related topics, family interactions, and access to a range of assistive technology and adaptive equipment. We also provide a toy and book lending library.
Coordination and Referral
Referral to other services (educational, social, health, etc), liaising with professionals (general practitioners, specialists, birth hospitals etc), facilitating the child’s progress by sharing skills and resources, promoting information sharing between the family and involved professionals, and helping the family follow through on established programs.
Advocacy
Advocating on behalf of young children and their families and working with other professionals to facilitate the development and effective delivery of services.
Our Infant Development consultants visit families wherever they feel most comfortable.
Professional Partners
The Infant Development Program works in partnership with other professionals in our community. These may include:
- Public Health Nurses
- Physiotherapists/Occupational Therapists
- Speech & Language Pathologists
- Physician or Pediatrician
- Preschool/Daycare Personnel
- Supported Childcare Consultants
- Social Workers
- Family Support Worker
How to Access this Program
The Infant Development Program is voluntary and free of charge. As a parent, you may contact us directly, or you may be referred by:
- A doctor
- A community health nurse
- A community professional
All referrals require permission from parents.
To find out more about the program and whether it’s suitable for your infant please call our program office at 604-466-0787 and ask to speak to the intake worker. Alternatively you can email the Infant Development/Supported Child Development intake desk at wendy.blaine@rmacl.org
