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About

Children and families receive what they need to thrive.

The Comox Valley Child Development Association supports participants through family-centred, specialized services that build strength and capacity.

The Comox Valley Child Development Association (CVCDA) is a non-profit society serving children, youth and adults with diverse abilities and their families, since 1974.

In 2021, over 1000 Comox Valley children and their families (from Mud Bay to Oyster River) used services at the CVCDA. There are currently 17 programs operating under the CVCDA umbrella along with a number of community partnerships and support groups. All of our services are designed to not only enrich the lives of the people who access them but also to contribute to a stronger Comox Valley that welcomes and includes everyone who lives here.

History of the CVCDA

Initially, the Comox Valley Child Development ‘Centre’ opened its doors in downtown Cumberland on July 12, 1974. Later the name was changed to Child Development ‘Association’.

Services were initially focused on preschool age children with developmental delays and diverse abilities. Services, like early intervention therapies and preschool, were offered mainly within the centre. Over the years the agency and the services provided have grown and changed to respond to the needs of the children and families who access them.

Eventually, the Cumberland site was closed and the association opened a community based office with the capacity to offer inclusive services in the location that worked best for the child and family (i.e. at home, park, or therapy room). The agency also expanded to serve school age children and youth and now even offers two programs for young adults.

Now, at its present site at 3rd and Cliffe, the early intervention therapies and Infant Development Program, two of the original 1974 services, are still there, although the therapists are likely spending more time in family homes and the community than in their offices. There is still a preschool program, Jumpstart Preschool, offered for all children in partnership with School District #71 at Courtenay Elementary.

Other programs include: Supported Child Development, The Autism Program, Behaviour Consultant, Community Integration, CYSN Family Support Program and Project Inclusion.

Pam Crowe

Ambassador to the CVCDA

In recognition of Pam Crowe being the CVCDA’s longest standing volunteer with the CVCDA, the Board of Directors created an Ambassador position upon her Board retirement in 2020. Pam Crowe was named Ambassador to the CVCDA to recognize her dedication to the agency and her continued work as a volunteer with the CVCDA and the Annual Children’s Telethon.

Pam’s involvement with the CVCDA started with our Annual CVCDA Children’s Telethon 45 years ago. Today she continues to volunteer her time to the CVCDA as the Telethon Chair. She has also been on the CVCDA Board of Directors for 35 years. In that time, she held every position and served as Chair of the Board for 20 of those years. She has led the organization through many changes, from the original location in Cumberland through to our current location in downtown Courtenay.

Pam has been instrumental in establishing the CVCDA as an essential service to the children and families of the Comox Valley. Pam’s dedication and support of the CVCDA has been remarkable and to honor her commitment over the past 35 years the CVCDA Board of Directors has also named the Comox Valley Autism Centre, the Pam Crowe Autism Centre of Excellence.

Memberships & Affilations

Comox Valley Chamber Member 15+ Years
Association Of Fundraising Professionals Vancouver Island Chapter
BC Association for Child Development and Intervention
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