Niagara Region Children's Services
Most child care centres in the Niagara Region offer programming for children with special needs. Many programs are fully integrated and a Resource Consultant may be available to work with children, if necessary. For more information, contact Niagara Region Children's Services at 905-980-6000. Visit Niagara Region's Inclusive Child Care Supports Committee for more information.
Niagara Preschool Resource Service, Pathstone Mental Health
Pathstone Mental Health provides consultation and training services for parents, caregivers, and other professionals who are involved with children from birth to 6 years of age. Niagara Preschool Resource Services for parents include: information and assistance in accessing community services; assistance in the development of effective behaviour management interventions in the home; guidance in strengthening parenting skills; presentations, groups, and educational workshops for parents; and consultation with professionals regarding behavioural issues. Visit Pathstone Mental Health's website for more information. Parents requesting a referral must do so through Contact Niagara at 905-684-3407 or 1-800-933-3617.
FACS, Early Learning & Parenting / Child Care Centres
Family and Children's Services Niagara offers programs for children aged 18 months to 5 years at 2 locations in St. Catharines. These are preschool programs that help prepare children to enter school and provide support to parents with their parenting skills and caring for their children. Each program offers developmental screening to all children to ensure they have reached appropriate milestones and to assist with referrals to other community services where needed, such as speech and language services or services for children with special needs. On site Resource Consultants ensure all children receive ongoing support and care. For more information, phone 905-945-3303 or 905-937-7731 and visit FACS Niagara's Parent Resources's webpage.
Infant and Child Development Services
The Niagara Region Public Health Department provides this family-centered early intervention program designed for children under 6 years of age who may be developing more slowly than expected, or their development is at risk because of birth or medical problems, genetic disorders, prematurity, hearing and/or visual impairment, limited parenting experience, or for reasons unknown. Teaching, information, and groups are provided to parents to promote all areas of the child's development. Referrals to the program can be made by parents, family physicians, Public Health nurses, Social Services, and community agencies. Visit the Infant & Child Development Services webpage and contact 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7377 for more information.
Niagara Children's Centre
The Niagara Children's Centre provides assessment and therapy to children with physical and/or communicative disabilities. Services provided include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech/language pathology, and augmentative communication. Preschool programs for children with physical disabilities and/or speech and language impairment are available. Parents or caregivers can self-refer for preschool speech and language system, however, medical referral is required for a child to be seen at the centre. Phone 905-688-3550 x200 for more information and visit the Niagara Children's Centre website for more information.
The following services provide Resource Consultant support to child care centres specifically dealing with children ages 2-5 that have demonstrated a developmental disability. The services also provide support by regularly visiting families to discuss the child's progress.
Community Living Welland Pelham - Children's Services
905-735-0081 Website
Community Living St. Catharines - Preschool Services
905-688-5222 Website
FACS Niagara - West Niagara Resource Consultants
905-945-3303 or 905-937-7731 Press 1 then x2215. Toll free: 1-888-937-7731 Website
Niagara Support Services - Preschool Services
905-384-1172 Website
Other Support Programs are Available
Support programs are available to families dealing with their child's special needs. For more information, visit Contact Niagara and call 905-682-6611, 905-356-4626 or 1-800-263-3695.
