The week of April 30 to May 5 has been declared Early Childhood Intervention Week in the province of Saskatchewan.
The week has provided ECIP with an opportunity to promote what its role is in the province. ECIP is a province wide network of community based supports to families with children from birth to school age experiencing or at risk for developmental delays. The ECIP staff work to enhance child development, support families and enhance community networks.
Battlefords ECIP has been located in the community since 1982 and has served approximately 1,500 children since that time.
According to Colleen Sabraw, executive director, "children who are involved with BECIP are often delayed in reaching age-appropriate developmental milestones such as walking, talking, eating, maneuvering, playing or interacting socially. ECIP Interventionists/Consultants strive to build relationships with families and assist them in working towards mutually identified goals for their children and family."
Sabraw says the staff at BECIP work collaboratively with child care providers, speech pathologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, physicians, early childhood psychologists, teachers and school administrators to support the achievement of these goals. The staff also supports a smooth transition into school and other programs and services.
Funding is partially provided by the province's Ministry of Education and by individual contracts with organizations and agencies. BECIP is a United Way member and receives private and public sector donations.
Any referrals or inquiries can be sent to the BECIP office at 891-99th Street, Don Ross Centre, 2nd floor, North Battleford, Sask., S9A 3L8, or calling 446-4545 or fax at 446-0575.
