History of the Child Development Centre
Our organization grew out of the vision of a group of concerned parents. They saw the critical need for additional services to help children with cerebral palsy and related challenges. The society was incorporated in 1968 as the Cerebral Palsy Association of Prince George and District.
In October 1968 we opened the Developmental Centre for handicapped Children in a portable building that was on loan from the School District. Operating with donated furniture and equipment, we provided medical assessments, part-time preschool for three to six year olds, and physiotherapy for children of all ages. Volunteers played a tremendously important role, assisting with transporting children, fund raising, and volunteering at the Centre.
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| Dr. Carolyn McGhee |
Services quickly eclipsed the School District’s diminutive building (measuring 36’ x 17’). In 1973, with support of the community and the Province, the Society opened the Child Development Centre in 1973. We have since expanded these facilities to meet our growing role within the community. The lower level of the original building was finished in 1975. The top floor of a new wing was added in 1984 with support from the Shriners/CKPG telethon, the Kiwanis Club, and the Provincial Lottery Branch. In 2005, with tremendous support from the community, the City of Prince George, Variety, Rotary, and the Province, we finished the lower level of the wing that was added in 1984.
From our humble beginnings, serving a handful of children in the initial year, the Child Development Centre now annually assist over 1000 children and their families. We provide services in Prince George, Mackenzie, McBride, Valemount and surrounding areas, offering expanded therapy, family services, preschool, daycare, supported child development, and adapted programming.In September 2009 we changed our legal name to the Child Development Centre of Prince George and District Association. The change reflected our expanded mandate, including the support of children of all special needs and developmental levels.
The CDC today
