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 Children’s Services, Niagara Region: 905-984-3750 or 1-800-263-7215 ext. 3897. Supports for Children with Special Needs, www.niagaregion.ca/living/children/specialneeds.
Niagara Preschool Resource Service
Niagara 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 educational workshops for parents; and consultation with professionals regarding behavioural issues.
Parents requesting a referral must do so through Contact Niagara: 905-684-3407 or 1-800-933-3617.
Early Learning & Parenting Centres
Family and Children’s Services Niagara’s Community Programs offer 2 half-day progams and 2 full day programs for its Early Learning & Parenting Programs in St. Catharines. These are preschool programs that help prepare children to enter school and provide support to parents in augmenting their parenting skills and caring for their children. Each program offers developmental screening to all children to ensure children have reached appropriate milestones and to assist with referrals to other community services where needed, such as speech and language services or services for children with special needs. Children from 18 months to 5 years are accepted into the program. On site Resource Consultants ensure all children receive ongoing support and care. Transportation is provided to our ½ day programs.
For more information contact: 905-937-7731 or 1-888-937-7731.
Infant and Child Development Services Niagara
The 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.
Contact: 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7377.
Niagara Peninsula Children’s Centre
The 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.
Contact: 905-688-3550 or 1-800-896-5496.
Children’s Services, Community Services Department, Niagara Region
The 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.
Community Living Welland Pelham/Children’s Services
Serves residents of Welland, Port Colborne, Wainfleet, and Pelham
Contact: 905-788-3113
St. Catharines Preschool Services
Serves residents of St. Catharines and Niagara-On-The-Lake.
Contact: 905-688-5222
Children’s Services, Community Services Department, Niagara Region
Serves residents of the Niagara Region
Contact:
905-984-3750 905-984-6900 905-382-3060
905-563-5050 905-945-2271 905-735-3000
Adolescent’s Family Support Services Niagara
Serves residents of the Niagara Region
Contact: 905-735-2566
West Niagara Resource Consultants
Serves residents of West Niagara: Beamsville, Vineland, Grimsby and Smithville.
Contact: 905-945-3303 or 905-937-7731 Press 1 then Ext. 2213 or 2215. Toll free: 1-888-937-7731
Niagara Support Services – Preschool Services
Serves residents of Welland, Port Colborne, Wainfleet and Pelham.
Contact: 905-384-1172
OTHER SUPPORT PROGRAMS ARE AVAILABLE
Support 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 .
Inclusive Child Care Support Committee - www.eccdc.org/iccsc_default.php
Family and Children Services (FACS) - www.facsniagara.on.ca
