February is early intervention month

February is early intervention month giving people a chance to learn more about how the program helps children with special needs. “Early intervention is a home-based program that provides support and resources to young children who have developed mental challenges and their families,” says Meaghan Forster Raymond, executive director and early interventionist with Digby and Area Early Intervention.

The program is free of charge for families and takes place in family homes. The provincial service provides resources and assistance to children from birth to school entry age.

The program assists children with developmental delays or those at risk of developmental delays due to premature birth, family history or something of that nature, Raymond said. “Early intervention is seen as a highly effective way of reaching and working with children to overcome certain obstacles. Families often need someone to talk to about how they are feeling in regards to their child’s development and the program is able to support families by giving a listening ear and offering suggestions and support.”

The program is voluntary and their toy and resources lending library is available to participating families free of charge. “We really focus on play activities because children learn and develop so much through play that when we go on a home visit we bring out activities that will directly help in their developmental areas,” Raymond said. “We also help transition into a group setting, whether that be pre-school or grade primary into the school system.”

Raymond currently serves eight to 10 families in Digby County. “If they (parents) have any questions about their child’s development, feel free to call and I can come out and do an assessment and we’ll take it from there,” she said.

For information, call 837-7315 or visit www.eins.ca

ldelong@digbycourier.ca