Comox Valley

Aboriginal Speech and Language Program (ASLP): This program seeks to offer a strengths-based, collaborative and culturally minded approach to supporting First Nations, Métis and Inuit families with children from birth to 7 years of age. ASLP aims to walk alongside families in learning ways to nurture their child’s growth and development in many areas of communication including social interactions, play skills, language understanding and expression, speech sound development, voice, fluency, early literacy, and assistive and augmentative communication (AAC). ASLP services may include consultation, monitoring, screening/assessment, and intervention at a place and time that best works for each family. This program is free, voluntary and by appointment service for families with Indigenous ancestry. Referrals to the program come from families and community service providers such as family physicians, pediatricians, audiologists, speech-language pathologists, childcare providers, and teachers.

Aboriginal Supported Child Development Program: The Aboriginal Supported Child Development Program (ASCD) walks alongside children and their families to honour the gifts that a child is born with. The ASCD program works to make sure each child’s gifts and uniqueness are acknowledged and supported in a culturally safe and relevant way within their childcare setting. The ASCD program walks alongside and learns from all Nations (First Nations, Metis, and Inuit). Referrals can be made directly by a parent or guardian. With appropriate consent, referrals may also be made by Public Health Nurses, Family Physicians, Pediatricians, Child Care Providers, or other service providers at the Child Development Association.

Behaviour Consultation Program: The Positive Behaviour Support program is a provincially-funded in-home support program for families who have a child (aged 3-18) with diverse abilities who presents with behavioural challenges. Behaviour consultants partner with families to identify priorities, assess, and develop individualized positive behaviour support plans for children. The plans and strategies are then implemented by families and other care-givers, with training, support, and ongoing monitoring from the behaviour consultant. Access to Behaviour Consultant services at the CVCDA requires a direct referral from a Children and Youth with Support Needs (CYSN) Worker at the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD).

Childcare Resource and Referral: A place where families, child care workforce and child care providers can get the support needed to raise happy and healthy children in Courtenay, Comox, Cumberland, Powell River and the surrounding Comox Valley. This program offers child care referrals, resources, information and the support.

Community Integration Program: The Community Integration Program (CIP), is for children and teens with a developmental delay or disability. CIP offers support to children through celebrating their strengths. Children and youth have access to community activities and opportunities to develop interests, skills, friendships while building social skills and further developing listening, emotional control and problem solving skills. Parents have opportunities to meet with other parents, discuss parenting concerns, develop advocacy skills through participation in the Advisory Committee. Those interested in participating in our Community Integration Program must be referred by their Children and Youth with Support Needs (CYSN) Worker through the Ministry.

Early Years Community Outreach: The Early Years Community Outreach program aims to improve access to information, resources, and supports for Comox Valley families with young children (0–6 years).

Early Years Wellness Program: This program supports families in fostering positive mental health and wellness in their children by strengthening parent-child relationships and providing practical, evidence-based parenting tools. Parents or guardians may make a direct referral if there are concerns or questions about a child. With appropriate consent, referrals may also be made by Public Health Nurses, Family Physicians, Pediatricians, Child Care Providers, or other service providers at the Child Development Association.

CYSN Family Support Program: Provides individualized support to families that have children or youth with disabilities. A CYSN Family Support Worker meets with families in their homes and in the community and provides assistance in the form of information, advocacy, planning, guidance, and problem-solving. This program uses a family-centered, strengths-based approach and aims to increase the well-being of families. Access to Family Support Worker services at the CVCDA requires a direct referral from a Children and Youth with Support Needs (CYSN) Worker at the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD).

Infant Development Program: Supports families with children from birth to three years of age who are at risk for, or have developmental delays. This program bring families and professionals together to support children through the early developmental stages. Referrals can be made directly by a parent or guardian if there are concerns or questions about a child. With appropriate consent, referrals may also be made by Public Health Nurses, Family Physicians, Pediatricians, Child Care Providers, or other service providers at the Child Development Association.

JumpStart Preschool: A play-based program for 3–5-year-olds that supports early literacy, numeracy, and social skills in a safe, inclusive environment. JumpStart is located inside Courtenay Elementary, on McPhee Ave in Courtenay in room 105. There are 20 spaces available. To register, contact JumpStart@cvcda.ca or call 250-898-4317.

Occupational Therapy: Occupational Therapists are healthcare professionals trained to help children engage in everyday living, including play, self-help and family and childcare routines. These activities can include independence in self-care tasks such as eating, dressing and bathing, taking part in play across environments, and learning. Areas they may focus on include fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-regulation, and picky eating. Referrals can be made directly by a parent or guardian if there are concerns about a child’s development. Additionally, Public Health Nurses, Family Physicians, Pediatricians, Daycare Providers, and other service providers at the Child Development Association.

Physiotherapy: A Physiotherapist (PT) is a health professional who promotes gross motor development and functional independence. Children are often referred to Physiotherapy for difficulties with head control, sitting independently, crawling, or walking; poor balance when walking or running; post-surgery needs; birth injuries such as torticollis or Erb’s palsy; or medical conditions that affect gross motor development. Referrals for concerns about a child’s physical development can be made directly by a parent or guardian. Public Health Nurses, Family Physicians, Pediatricians, Daycare Providers, and other service providers at the Child Development Association.

Project Inclusion: A partnership with the Comox Valley community to guide and support young adults with a disability, increasing their confidence and competence to reach their highest potential and lead fulfilling lives. Each individual comes to Project Inclusion with their own specific goals. The Coordinator and Project Inclusion team assist the youth in setting, working towards, and achieving their goals. Families and support people are a part of the goal setting process on a regular basis.

Speech-Language Pathology: A Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) is a health professional who helps people of all ages develop to their full potential in the areas of communication, feeding and swallowing. SLPs interact with children in purposeful, play-based activities to support a child’s communication development. Referrals for concerns about a child’s speech and/or language can be made directly by a parent or guardian. Additionally, Public Health Nurses, Family Physicians, Pediatricians, Daycare Providers, and other service providers at the Child Development Association.

Supported Child Development Program: The Aboriginal Supported Child Development Program (ASCD) works alongside the SCD Program to provide support services while ensuring cultural safety and cultural sensitivity for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit children and families. If your child is aged birth to 12 and either in a child care program or planning to be, and potential barriers to inclusion exist. Children who are referred may have a diagnoses of some kind, but this is not required for participation. Referrals regarding a child’s inclusion in their child care program can be made directly by a parent or guardian. Additionally, Public Health Nurses, Family Physicians, Pediatricians, Child Care Providers, and other service providers at the Child Development Association.

The Autism Program (TAP): Provides evidence-based intervention services for children with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. They provide services to children and youth from 2 to 19 years of age. During the school year they provide weekly services for preschoolers and school aged children. During the summer we provide a two-week day camp for older school-aged children and teens. This program is funded by individualized Autism Funds.

The Friendship Project: Works together with young adults, their families and networks to establish ‘Friendship Plans’. These plans guide us in helping to develop ‘Friendship Circles’ based on the young adult’s individual goals and interests. The Friendship Project is a family-governed, grassroots model of support. The direct relationship between the facilitator and the families/networks enhances the capacity for responsiveness, communication and momentum.