Therapy

The Child Development Centre offers the following therapy services:
Services are also provided at the Centre by the local paediatricians, Dr. Rocha, Child and Adolescent Psychologist, and Dr. Boulding, Psychiatrist

How are children referred?

We have an open referral process, meaning anyone that has the authorization of a child's legal guardian can refer the child. To refer a child, call (250)563-7168 ext 0 to start the process.

Who is eligible?

Newborn infants, toddlers, and preschoolers are eligible for all three specializations of therapy.  We also provide a limited amount of school aged physiotherapy and occupational therapy services. 

The therapist may be the only professional working with the child and family, or there may be a team of professionals and community services provided to the child and family.  The physiotherapist sees it as vital that a coordinated approach be used, with the parent being the team leader whenever possible.  Close liaison with British Columbia Children’s Hospital and Sunnyhill is maintained.

Where does therapy take place?

The CDC has treatment gyms and ‘quiet rooms’ which are child and family friendly where many children are seen.  However, therapists also undertake home visits, especially to see infants where transportation is a problem, or when winter conditions make coming to the Centre difficult.  Therapists also see children at their daycare, their school or wherever the family and therapist find most appropriate. We also provide a hydrotherapy program.

We also provide therapy through our outreach program to Mackenzie, McBride, and Valemount.

What Programs are available?

Programming options are determined by many factors including the unique needs of each child and family.  Treatment options vary depending on these needs as well as staffing levels and logistical constraints.

Speech Language Pathology:

Speech/language therapy services designed to assist in the development of children’s verbal and non-verbal communication skills, including the following:
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Photo by Llaesa North
Speech language pathologists also manage feeding difficulties in young children when they involve the ability to suck, chew and swallow.

When trying to improve the communication of young children, it is necessary to take a broad view of the child.  Speech language pathologists are therefore concerned with the child’s hearing, general health, attention, memory, personality, socialization, movement skills, play and concept development.  Family needs and lifestyle are considered in selecting treatment content and options, too.

Speech language pathologists have, at minimum, masters’ or bachelors’ degrees in speech language pathology.  Most are certified by the Canadian Association for Speech Language Pathology and Audiology (CASLPA) by means of graduating from a recognized training program and passing a national examination.  Most are members of both CASLPA and the British Columbia Association of Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists (BCASLPA).  Both associations demand adherence to a code of ethics as well as meeting continuing education requirements.

Occupational Therapy

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Photo by Llaesa North
Occupational Therapy is a health profession concerned with promoting health and well-being.  The primary goal of occupational therapy is to enable people to participate in occupations (activities) that give meaning and purpose to their lives. For children, these activities may include using their hands for play, dressing, feeding, toileting, bathing, following routines, and moving around their homes, communities, preschools/daycares/schools. Occupational therapists working in paediatrics help children who have been challenged by developmental difficulties, injury or disease to develop, function and participate in everyday life.

Together with the child and the child's family/caregivers, the occupational therapist will assess each child in order to determine goals and strategies that address the child's needs, abilities and environment.

An occupational therapist's education, training and clinical experience provides expertise in the following areas:
Occupational Therapy, in collaboration with Physical Therapy and Speech Language Pathology, offer specialized teams in the following:
Our occupational therapists are registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of B.C. 

Physiotherapy

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Photo by Llaesa North
Our physiotherapy services are concerned with how a child moves, what is typical and what is not, and what movement or lack of movement will result in problems for a child.  The child’s development, especially in the area of posture and movement, is analyzed and a plan of action determined through consultation with the family.

We believe every child has the right of access to those interventions and supports which enable that child to achieve their highest potential, without regard to race, gender, age, physical and /or mental abilities.

Services:
Children with the following diagnoses or conditions are most commonly seen:  developmental delay, high risk infants ,orthopedic abnormalities, Cerebral Palsy and other neurological conditions,  Muscular Dystrophy, Torticollis, brachial plexus injury, exposure to drugs and/or alcohol, various syndromes including Down Syndrome,and pre and post surgical needs such as rhizotomy and muscle release.

Our physiotherapists are registered with the College of Physical Therapy in B.C.  This membership requires a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Medicine or an equivalent qualification.  Most of our therapists have either many years of experience in working with children’s needs and/or have specialized skills in the areas of neurology, orthopaedics, rheumatology, respirology, infant and child development, positioning, splinting and orthotics. We belong to the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.