Our Early Years Programs offer a range of early intervention and support services for infants, young children (0-12yrs) and their caregivers.  We believe that prevention and early identification for children in need of additional supports, contribute to healthy development and improve outcomes.  We support children in their natural environments (home/child care settings) to ensure that any plans and interventions are routines-based and centered on each child and family’s strengths and needs

Infant and Child Development Program (ICDP)

The Infant and Child Development Program (ICDP) offers family-centered support and early intervention to infants and children (from birth to school entry) who are presenting with, or who are at risk for developmental delays, diagnosis or disability.

A variety of developmental screening tools and questionnaires are used to assist with early identification and developmental monitoring. We work together with families and other professionals to identify the child and family’s strengths and needs, and to develop a family service plan to meet these goals and address functional goals and outcomes.

What we do:

  • Support the child’s development through informal and formal developmental screens and assessments
  • Provide support to caregivers and families through routines-based coaching and modeling
  • Recommend specific activities and resources to address the child’s developmental needs & strengths and functional goals and outcomes
  • Assistance to connect with other community services as needed, which could include, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech/language services, child care, and children’s mental health services
  • Provide information about how to access financial supports and funding as needed
  • Facilitate information and education sessions in community-based settings on specific topics when requested
  • Transition to school support

How to access the program

We take referrals from caregivers, family physicians and community partners. A medical diagnosis is not needed to access service, and we do not require a physician referral.

You can call our Central Intake Department if you have any questions, or to make a referral, please call us at 519-941-1530.

iCAN (Inclusion for Children with Additional Needs)

The iCAN program provides special needs resourcing support and consultation to licensed childcare providers in Dufferin County to help meet the needs of children with additional needs (0-12yrs).

We support the inclusion of all children with additional needs (cognitive, physical, social-emotional, behavioural) to help them learn and grow to their best and fullest potential, and be able to participate fully in their daily activities, routines and programs.

We Believe:

  • that strong, positive relationships contribute to healthy child development and are necessary for children’s well-being and optimal learning.
  • in the importance of creating early learning environments where all children can experience a sense of belonging, inclusion, and success.

What we do:

  • Support meaningful and positive interactions with children, caregivers, and childcare staff.
  • Respect and value children’s natural strengths, abilities and interests.
  • Educate early childhood professionals and families about the importance of inclusion for children with additional needs.
  • Build capacity and enhance skills and strategies to support the healthy development of children within childcare environments.
  • Help children transition from one childcare centre to another, or as they enter into school.
  • Offer information, education and resources and help connect families to other community resources if and when needed.

How to access the program

We take referrals from caregivers, and early childhood educators. A diagnosis is not needed to access our supports and services. Please talk to the Resource Consultant (RC) who is supporting your child care program to make a referral.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call our Central Intake Department at 519-941-1530.