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Most child care centres in the Niagara Region offer programming for children with special needs. Many programs are fully integrated and a resource teacher may be available to work with children, if necessary. For more information, contact Information Niagara at: 905-682-6611, 905-356-4626 or 1-800-263-3695.
Niagara Preschool Resource ServiceNiagara Child and Youth Services provides consultation and training services for parents, caregivers, and other professionals who are involved with children from birth to 6 years of age. Niagara Preschool Resource Services for parents include: information and assistance in accessing community services; assistance in the development of effective behaviour management interventions in the home; guidance in strengthening parenting skills; presentations, groups, and educaitonal workshops for parents; and consultation with professionals regarding behavioural issues.
Early Learning & Parenting CentresFamily and Children's Services offers 4 half-day sites for its Early Learning & Parenting Programs. These are preschool programs that help prepare children to enter school and provide support to parents in building their parenting skills and caring for their children. FACS offers developmental screening to ensure children have reached appropriate milestones and assist with referrals to other community services where needed, such as speech and language services or services for children with special needs. Children as young as 18 to 24 months are accepted.
Infant Education and Parent Teaching ProgramThe Regional Niagara Public Health Department provides this family-centered early intervention program designed for children under 6 years of age who may be developing more slowly than expected, or their development is at risk because of birth or medical problems, genetic disorders, pre-maturity, hearing and/or visual impairment, limited parenting experience, or for reasons unknown. Teaching, information, and groups are provided to parents to promote all areas of the child's development. Referrals to the program can be made by parents, family physicians, Public Health nurses, Social Services, and community agencies.
Niagara Peninsula Children's CentreThe Niagara Peninsula Children's Centre provides assessment and therapy to children with physical and/or communicative disabilities. Services provided include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech/language pathology, and augmentative communication. Preschool programs for children with physical disabilities and/or speech and language impairment are available. Parents or caregivers can self-refer for preschool speech and language system, however, medical referral is required for a child to be seen at the centre.
Support for Children with Developmental DisabilitiesThe following services provide Resource Teacher support to child care centres, specifically dealing with children ages 2-5 that have demonstrated a developmental disability. The services also provide support by regularly visiting families to discuss the child's progress.
Memorial Integrated Preschool ServicesServes residents of Niagara Falls, Fort Erie, and Thorold
Welland Preschool ServicesServes residents of Welland, Port Colborne, Wainfleet, and Pelham
St. Catharines Preschool ServicesServes residents of St. Catharines, Thorold, Beamsville, Smithville, Grimsby, Vineland, and Niagara-On-The-Lake
Niagara Community Services Department, Children's ServicesServes residents of the Niagara Region Contact: 905-984-3750 905-984-6900 905-382-3060
Adolescent's Family Support Services NiagaraServes residents of the Niagara Region
OTHER SUPPORT PROGRAMS ARE AVAILABLESupport programs are available to families dealing with their child's special needs. For more information, contact Information Niagara at: 905-682-6611 , 905-356-4626 or 1-800-263-3695 . |
