We’ve been very busy at the Comox Valley Child Development Association (CVCDA) since the grand opening of our new Comox Valley Autism Centre back on December 5, 2018. The space has now come alive with families, groups and many clients actively utilizing this new and vibrant space.
The newly constructed CV Autism Centre was designed and equipped specifically with the needs of children with Autism in mind. It now comfortably houses The Autism Program (TAP), which as of this month has fully made the move across the courtyard from its old location in the lower level of our main building.
This spacious new facility provides our professionals many different environments to enhance our services including a boardroom, three early intervention and two youth meeting rooms. Additionally, there is a bright, open concept common area complete with lounge and kitchen. The lounge is a cozy, informal space for our kids and families to play and relax. Many of our groups such as Circle of Security and other community groups including the Parent Support Group have now started regularly using this space.
The fully equipped kitchen is very convenient for everybody in the space but is also the classroom for much of TAP’s life skills programming covering meal preparation and baking. These life skills are beneficial with assisting their client’s in developing the skills they will need for independence.
One of the most exciting features of the new CV Autism Centre is the small gymnasium space now serving approximately 40 children from TAP. Clients from some of our other child development services including both of our Occupational and Physical Therapy Programs are also benefitting from this space. The gym is a wonderful space for kids to get active and take part in cooperative games.
It is also important to mention the addition of our state of the art Sensory Room, which was completed prior to the Autism Centre back in 2014. It is just a few quick steps out the main entrance and will continue to be accessed as part of TAP programming.
Although the Centre is now operational and furnished (thanks to funds raised at our annual Children’s Telethon), we’ve still a few more surprises to come to further enhance the space. Firstly, the donation of a new therapy swing to be in the gym is coming soon thanks to the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island along with the Suspension Kit donated by Courtenay Veterinary Clinic. We recently had a generous donation of a new washer and dryer to complete our kitchen/utility area. Additionally, we are looking for a donor for a SMART TV and mount to be utilized in the lounge as an educational tool.
As spring hits, there are plans in motion to create a welcoming courtyard area immediately outside the main entrance of the CV Autism Centre (to the rear of the Child Development Centre). It will be a place to gather or get away during the day especially during the warmer months. Plans include patio style seating on the new pave stone patio along with fresh landscaping around the perimeter. Improved access to the existing children’s playground is underway with a wide, smooth path and more landscaping around the Centre.
For those in the community needing space, the Centre can also accommodate various bookings including the gymnasium, boardroom, lounge and sensory room. For further booking enquires, please call or email our main reception: 250-338-4288 or info@cvcda.ca
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