Navigating Unique Needs

Helping Your Child Succeed

Navigating Exceptional Needs and Resources

If you're uncertain about how to support your child's unique needs, you're not alone. Evidence shows that accessing support early is most beneficial for children, so don't hesitate to move forward if you have questions. Here are some steps to help you meet your child's needs.

1. Connect with Your Child’s Educator:

   First things first, connect with your child’s educator. An Early Childhood Educator that has been working with your child may have insight into challenges your child is having. Together with your child's educator and the support of management, you can devise a plan to support your child and connect with other resources. Whether you have concerns about your child's development, behaviour, or emotional well-being, don't hesitate to seek guidance.

2. Create a Care Plan:

   If it becomes clear that your child has unique needs, Centre staff will work with your family to develop a Care Plan as required by licensing. Developing a Care Plan is a collaborative process involving input from your family, various professionals and service providers and becomes a comprehensive roadmap outlining the support and services your child requires to thrive. The plan typically includes goals, strategies, and interventions aimed at addressing your child's specific needs to ensure consistent, supported care. If a diagnosis is defined, we will work with your child’s Educator and support team to revise the Care Plan ensuring that it continues to meet your child's needs.

3. Connect with Children's Therapy & Family Resource Centre (CTFRC):

   Seek support by submitting a referral to Children’s Therapy & Family Resource Centre (CTFRC). CTFRC can play an important role in supporting your child and family. They offer specialized programs and therapies designed to support children with diverse needs, providing a safe and inclusive environment for growth and development. Their programs include Occupational Therapy. Physiotherapy, Speech & Language Therapy, Supported Child Development, Family support, Early Intervention Program, Autism Diagnostic Program, Early Hearing Program, and Provincial Outreach Programs. Anyone can refer your child for services if they have your consent, including your child’s educator. Referrals can be done in 2 ways: online thru the CTFRC website or by completing printable forms and emailing, faxing or mailing to the CTFRC office.
   
   • CTFRC Parent Referral for Services
   • Childcare Centre Referral for Services
     

4. Connect with the Early Years Family Navigator:

   The Early Years Family Navigator connects families to community programs and links them with services available for pregnant women and families with children from newborn to 6 years of age.
   
   • Connect with the Early Years Navigator

5. See your Pediatrician:

   Make an appointment with your child’s pediatrician. They can provide valuable insights and may even refer you to specialists for further assessment.

6. Seek a Diagnosis if Appropriate:

   If your Pediatrician feels it necessary, they may recommend seeking a diagnosis or evaluation from a specialist, such as a child psychologist or developmental pediatrician. These experts can conduct assessments to better understand your child's strengths and challenges.

**Specifically, seeking an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis, can take time. Once your Pediatrician makes a referral to the Interior Health Children’s Assessment Network (IHCAN), the referral will be forwarded from IHCAN to CTFRC. CTFRC will then contact you to set up an appointment at their Centre. Although free of charge, this public process can take up to a year or two. There are also private service providers that do assessments for a fee. The wait is still significant but shorter than the free service. Please contact the front desk if you are looking for a list of private providers from Autism Canada. Grant opportunities for private assessments can be found here:

Variety BC Private Autism & Psychoeducational Assessment Funding

Throughout this journey, remember that you're not alone. By reaching out for support and leveraging the expertise of professionals and service providers, you can empower your child and connect them with tools and strategies, enabling them to participate more fully in programming.