Evan, 6 months

Infant Development Programmes serve families with infants from birth to three years of age, identified as developmentally delayed, or at risk for developmental delays in one or more major skill areas. Services that may be provided by Infant Development Programmes include:

Home Visits:
Home visits are the most important component of the Infant Development Programme and the method around which support to the family and programming for the infant is built. Home visits are planned to take place during a convenient time for the family and the baby. The frequency of home visits is discussed with the family and will depend on the needs of the infant and family. Generally, visits are scheduled every two weeks or monthly, and average one to two hours in duration.

Home visits are a time for Infant Development Consultants to learn more about the needs and priorities of the family including particular concerns about the infant. Home visits will vary depending on the needs of the family, but usually follow a similar format. During each visit, the family and the consultant may review the infant? progress. Successes, problems, or new behaviors encountered since the last visit may be discussed and activity suggestions and approaches shared with the family. Information on child development and other community resources may be provided; materials and equipment may be left for the family? use.

Reports:
The Revised Gesell Developmental Schedules (1980) is the standard assessment used in all Infant Development Programmes in British Columbia. This assessment, done by the Infant Development Consultant, gives a developmental profile of the infant and provides the family and the consultant with guidelines for planning a program, as well as a record of the infant? development. In some situations a Gesell is not appropriate and other assessments are used.

All information and reports from the Infant Development Programme are strictly confidential; the family and consultant decide who should receive information regularly. Copies of reports are sent after receiving signed consent from the parents.

Family Support:
Infant Development Programmes can provide opportunities to meet other families who share common experiences and information that may be of support.

Parent Education and Workshops:
Families will be informed of and encouraged to attend workshops, lectures and parent meetings which will further their understanding and knowledge of child development. In some cases, the Infant Development Programme will sponsor or co-sponsor workshops with other community organizations. Topics are varied and in response to requests made by families.

Books, Equipment and Toys:
The Infant Development Programme has a library of books relating to development in infancy and early childhood, parenting, specific disabilities, play ideas, and other areas of interest. There are also some materials that are written by parents for other parents. These books can be loaned to families involved with the Infant Development Programme. Books may also be accessed through the Provincial Advisor and other agencies.

Specialized equipment and toys can be loaned to families. When necessary, the Infant Development Programme can help a family access the necessary equipment through other agencies and assist families to find funding if equipment needs to be purchased.

Play Group:
In addition to the above services, the Infant Development Programme also offers two weekly playgroups. Parents, children involved with the Infant Development Programme and other family members are invited to come together for loosely structured play activities that will enhance child development.

During playgroup, parents have the opportunity to meet and socialize over coffee while sharing concerns and experiences in an informal and friendly atmosphere. An Infant Development Consultant is always present to discuss concerns and offer suggestions when needed. Resource people and materials are also available periodically at the play group locations.