Early Intervention Therapies

Early Intervention Therapies (EIT) are available for families and children from birth to Kindergarten age at no cost.

Occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech-language pathologists, and therapy assistants provide services to help families and children achieve their highest meaningful level of participation within home, child care, and other community settings. We believe families are the expert on their child.

Therapy services strive to:

• emphasize a family and child’s strengths by focusing on a child’s successful participation in multiple environments;
• focus on social inclusion, awareness, and acceptance of diverse abilities;
• offer education, share information and support families in advocating for their child;

The EIT Program includes the following therapies:

• Occupational Therapy (OT)
• Aboriginal Occupational Therapy (AOT)
• Physiotherapy (PT)
• Speech-Language Pathology (SLP)
• Aboriginal Speech & Language Program (ASLP)

Who Can Refer?

If you have concerns or questions about your child’s development, you can refer your child yourself. Public Health Nurses, Family Physicians, Pediatricians, Daycare Providers and other service providers at the Child Development Association can also refer for you.

What Happens After The Referral?

1. You will meet with our Family Advocate to gather relevant information and gather consent for services
2. You will be contacted to arrange an initial consultation
3. During the initial consultation, while your child plays, you will have an opportunity to talk about your priorities, will be provided with information on your child’s development and receive suggestions on how you can help your child.
4. Plans for further services will then be determined. This may include more formal assessments, direct intervention, consultation or monitoring.

What Happens After The Assessment?

Your service provider will work with your family and team members to:

1. Identify priorities and a program suited to your child’s individual needs
2. Provide therapy or consultation as needed
3. Provide service in the environment best suited to your child’s specific needs (home, Children’s Therapy Centre, and/or childcare centre)