Aboriginal Infant Development Program
We work with families who have children aged 0 to 6 years old to support parents. We offer home visits, referrals to outside professionals when necessary, lending library, toy lending, car seat loan program, proper installation of car seats, developmental assessments. Workshops we are planning are: swimming with babies/families, shopping on a budget, and baby food preparation. The Splatsin Tsm7aksaltn Aboriginal Infant Development Program (AIDP) culturally relevant community supports and services to families of children 0-3 years of age, both on or off reserves who have or are at risk of developmental delays. The AIDP believes that "children come first in all that we do" and that each child deserves to be acknowledged and cherished for the qualities that make him/her unique in order to optimize and accomplish developmental milestones. Through traditional teachings, respecting families, offering teaching tools and strategies and early childhood interventions, we will support and build family health and wellness by developing an individualized program that acknowledges and cherishes each child's developmental needs.
The AIDP receives referrals from many different sources such as family doctors, hospitals, family members and other professionals in the community. Families can self refer and this can be done by contracting Splatsin Tsm7aksaltn Teaching Centre Society.
Phone: 250-838-6404, ext. 231
Email: AIDP@Tsm7aksaltn.ca
What we offer:
Information on community health services
Referrals to community and professional services and supports
Assistance in planning family activities that promote healthy childhood development
Home visits
Cultural activities and playgroups
Parent support groups and parent education opportunities
Language and culture program
Elders teaching
Swim program
Workshops that enhance childhood development and safety
*Note: ALL SERVICES AND SUPPORTS ARE FREE OF COST
The Aboriginal Infant Development Program (AIDP)
The Aboriginal Infant Development Program (AIDP) is an important investment for the future of our communities. AIDP strives to encourage the development of children who will become healthy, contributing community members. These children will grow to carry on cultural traditions, manage First Nations' communities and land, and ensure a bright future for generations to come. AIDP is primarily a home-based program that supports and encourages families to give their children the best start in life. Participation in the AIDP is a family centered, voluntary and free of cost program.
Our AIDP Consultant works 1-on-1 with any family in the community who has a child between the ages of 0 and 6 years old to provide support in centre and through home based visits. These services are available to all Aboriginal families.
The AIDP Consultant provides early intervention support and can do DAYC2 Assessments, Ages and Stages Assessments on children at the request of the parent or guardian. We also provide parent and tot groups, parent and baby swimming programs, picnics, cooking classes, Splatsin Baby Welcome Ceremony, winter clothing exchange, parent sewing groups, and other activities that foster cooperation and collaboration in the development of the child.
To help assist in appropriate development of children in the community, we have an extensive resource library, toy lending program, car seat loan program, and baby welcoming gifts.
Aboriginal Supported Child Development Program
Our ASCD Consultant works with families and children aged 0 to 12 years old with unique needs. Our goal is to have a respectful and confidential working relationship with families and professionals to develop care plans appropriate for children. This could include speech therapy, gross motor development, etc. We are able to do in centre assessments when requested. Our ASCD Consultant will work one on one with children, group activities with children, speech support, home visits, toy lending, resource library, and incorporate Splatsin language and culture wherever possible. Our goal is to have parents involved and informed in the work we do on behalf of your child.
We have an in centre ASCD worker who provides speech and classroom support to children who require assistance with developmental, behavior, social, speech issues. In cooperation with parents and teachers, we develop ‘Care Plans' for each child who requires support in conjunction with the Speech Therapist, Child Behavior Specialists as needed.
We also have an ASCD/AIDP Program Consultant who oversees the ASCD program and works with families to support them.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child's development, or if you would like to hear more about the program, please contact
Phone: (250) 838-6404 ext. 227
Email: ASCD@Tsm7aksaltn.ca
Inclusion
The heart of the ASCD is the philosophy of inclusion. Our motto is "Children come first in all that we do". We believe that children and youth of diverse abilities have a right to participate in a full range of childcare opportunities with their peers. The ASCD Program honours the family as a whole and works collaboratively with families to meet their unique needs. Participation is voluntary and the ASCD services and supports are free of charge.
Speech and Language Support
If you are concerned about your child’s speech you can request a speech assessment and in centre speech therapy with our ASCD Consultant. We can also do referrals to Interior Health Speech Pathologist. Speech therapy includes Splatsin language and cultural themes in speech activities.
Enhanced Programs
For children as requested. Any child who attends our centre 0 to 12 years. Ages and Stages Questionnaires, Gisselle Assessment for ages 0 to 3. Referrals out for the ICAN Assessments through Interior Health.
Parent Support Programs
All parents and community members. Parent/Tot drop-in groups, Pizza and Speech night, Splatsin arts and crafts, car seat safety program, toy and resource lending library, drying fish / game meat, canning.
Music with Murray
Every Thursday morning at our centre for all programs
Special Field Trips
Sunflower and Indian Potato Picnic 1st Wednesday in May
Salmon Release late May
WinterFeast mid January
COHI Dental Varnishing Program
Parents can agree to have dental varnishing applied to their children’s teeth. This service is available for all children in our centre and helps to prevent early tooth decay and dental surgery. Service provided through the health department.