Health Services

Early Child Development

Every child develops in slightly different ways. Some are naturally quick learners, while others need extra love and support. Carrier Sekani Family Services can help aboriginal children who have disabilities or delays to grow until they meet their full potential. We can also support parents as they raise the healthiest babies and children possible.

How do I know if my child is delayed?

We know that all kids grow and develop at different speeds. Still, there are typical things children should know by a certain age. If you notice that your little one has a hard time with skills that others their age already know, they might have a developmental delay.

There are many skills a child might have trouble with, such as:

Speech and language
Holding a pencil
Paying attention
Solving problems
Challenging behaviours

Carrier Sekani Family Services can help your child learn new skills to move past these issues.

How does this program help?

This enrichment program can help your little one catch up to other kids their age! We start by doing a basic "Ages & Stages" test with your child, to see where they are doing well and where they need extra help. Then we will give you a report with some suggestions for helping your child grow and meet their full potential.

We might say that your little one needs the support of a speech therapist, or we might suggest certain classes or programs. It all depends on their needs. No matter what, we will be there to support your child's growth and learning.

Our child development program also supports parents. For example, we offer the Canadian Prenatal Nutrition Program in Vanderhoof. Mothers can learn about healthy eating, breast feeding, and also receive support through our Good Food Bag program and our monthly community kitchen. We also offer a variety of parenting programs and classes:

You Make The Connection Parenting Program - sign up for this program if you have an infant or toddler at home. You will learn how to build a close connection between you and your baby - this will help them grown into a secure, confident toddler. You will also find ways to "talk" with your little one when they still cannot use words.

Infant Massage Classes - sign up for this program if you want to build a stronger bond with your baby. Infant massage can boost your child's development because it helps them become more alert and aware of the world around them. It is also very soothing. If your baby has issues with sleeping, colic, or gas, you may want to sign up for a class!

Nobody's Perfect Parenting Program - sign up for this program if you're looking for a relaxed group where you can talk with other parents about your kids ages 0 - 5. This program was started in Canada and is proven to improve parenting skills, build strong relationships between you and your child, and build your confidence in the way you manage your kids.

Parents As Literacy Supporters (PALS) Program - sign up for this program if your children are preschool or kindergarten-aged. You'll find ways to encourage your child to learn through play. It's a fun, easy way for your kids to develop a life-long love of learning.

Please visit the Carrier Sekani Family Services Events page to see if we are offering any of the above programs or classes in your community.

How do I get my child in this program?

You can refer your child to this program by contacting our Early Child Development Manager:

Dawne Persson in Vanderhoof, BC

250-567-2900 or dawne@csfs.org

Other people can refer your child, as well. For example, our staff often visit daycares and preschools to do the "Ages & Stages" screening with all the kids. If they notice a child needs extra support and enrichment, they will let the parents know privately and suggest a referral to Carrier Sekani Family Services.

All referrals need the parents' permission. We respect the privacy of you and your child. Your child does not need to be diagnosed with any type of learning issue in order to talk with us, have your child tested, or get a referral.

Can my older child get help, too?

Yes! We support aboriginal children from birth to 12 years of age. But remember, the sooner you get help for a child's delay in development, the sooner they can catch up to other kids their age. Don't wait to call Carrier Sekani Family Services.

Will my child be taken away if somone finds out he has developmental delays?

No! Social workers know there are many reasons why a child might take a little longer to learn some skills. For example, babies that are born too early are more likely to have some learning delays. It's not the child's or the parent's fault at all.

Have a little one who needs extra support does not mean that you're a bad parent or an abusive parent. You don't have to worry about someone taking your child away. The only time a social worker can take a child away from their parent is if the child is being hurt or if the child is in danger. A little one who needs extra support is not a child who is being hurt or put in danger.