South East Cornerstone and Holy Family Roman Catholic Separate school divisions will be permanently assuming responsibility for early childhood intervention programming in September for families in Weyburn, Estevan, Redvers, Carlyle and surrounding communities. The Weyburn Early Childhood Intervention Program (ECIP) will be temporarily providing services for families in the Estevan, Redvers and Carlyle area from April 1 until August 31.
"Everyone involved wants to make sure that these transitions are as smooth as possible for families," Education Minister Donna Harpauer said. "We are all committed to working together. We would like to thank the board and employees of the Weyburn ECIP for taking on the additional service delivery area in the short term."
"I believe the quantity of young lives and families that have benefited from this program over the years and the quality of service provided to those same families will continue with the announced transition," Weyburn ECIP Board Chair Dana Pretzer said. "My board, executive director and I are most excited to assist and help facilitate these changes. I applaud the Ministry for taking this proactive approach and look forward to seeing the new and exciting types of program delivery that will come. It will be a win/win for everyone."
All families currently being served by the South East and Weyburn Early Childhood Intervention Programs are being notified of this decision. Over the next few months, both school divisions will be doing a review to determine what kinds of programs and services are most needed. Parent meetings are being held in March to have an opportunity to meet the families in advance and hear from them about what kinds of supports will best meet their needs.
A plan is in place to support employees during the transition. Existing staff members will receive clear information on the application process to facilitate the transition of service delivery to the Weyburn ECIP and then to the school divisions. Arrangements have also been made for additional support to be provided by Career and Employment Services offices in Estevan and Weyburn.
