ARE YOU CONCERNED about your infant or toddler
(children from birth to three years of age)?
By one year of age, are they:
- Moving about (crawling, bum scooting, pulling to stand and cruising the furniture)
- Exploring their world with their eyes, hands, and mouth
- Making sounds while looking at you
- Imitating sounds you make
By eighteen months, are they:
- Walking and starting to climb
- Using words meaningfully
- Looking at you and pointing at things they are interested in or want
- Interested in what others are doing, want to be with others
- Wary of strangers and people they don’t know well
- Putting smaller toys into buckets or containers (putting things in and taking things out)
- Enjoying peek-a-boo and chase games
By two years of age, are they:
- Putting words together in short phrases
- Using gestures, such as head nods and pointing, to communicate
- Trying to copy what adults and other children are doing
- Running and climbing
- Frustrated when they don’t get what they want or can’t do something
- Enjoying imaginary play toys, such as tool sets or kitchen sets
- Feeding themselves with their fingers and a spoon
For more information about young children’s development, go to Links We Like/Developmental Milestones
If you are concerned about your baby or toddler:
- Talk about your concerns with your family doctor and/or your pediatrician
- Ask for an appointment with an Infant Development Program
- Contact our clinic, as we would be happy to provide consultation and assessment as needed.
What is the Infant Development Program?
The Infant Development Program is a service for families with children from birth to three years of age who are experiencing or are at risk for developmental delays. It is funded by the Provincial Government and provided free of charge. Services are completely confidential and are home based and family centered.
The Program provides:
- parent education in the area of child development
- family support through home visits
- assessments to monitor the child’s developmental progress
- activity ideas to support the child’s development
- referrals to other services as indicated
- joint home visits with other professionals
Multicultural services through the use of interpreters or staff who speak a variety of languages are often available.
Referrals can be made by parents or professionals by fax, mail and telephone. Parents are then contacted for a screening visit and the type of service delivery is determined.
To find the agency providing this Program in your area, go to Links We Like/Service Providers
What are Early Intervention Services?
- The Early Intervention Program (EIP) provides services for children from birth to 5 years of age with or at risk for developmental delays. It is a multidisciplinary service based on child needs and family priorities and is free of charge. Services may include physical, occupational, and/or communication therapies. They may include groups for parents and/or children.
- Services are provided in the child’s home, daycare, preschool, community program or at a local centre, such as a Child Development Centre. Children do not need a diagnosis to access these services.
To find the agency providing this Program in your area, go to Links We Like/Service Providers