BC Programs

With the appropriate support, children and youth with severe disabilities or special health care needs can live at home and participate in child care settings, schools and community life. This section provides descriptions of the range of programs are available to address the unique needs of these families.

Foundational Programs

Foundational Child and Youth with Special Needs (CYSN) services provide direct support and intervention to young children who have – or are at risk of – a developmental delay or disability, and their families. Programs include Infant Development Program, Aboriginal Infant Development Program, Supported Child Development, Aboriginal Supported Child Development, Early Intervention Therapies and School Aged Therapies:

Infant Development Program (IDP)

Provides home-based prevention/early intervention services to infants and young children up to three years of age (up to five years in Aboriginal IDP). Consultants assess children, and help families acquire the tools, skills and community connections needed to promote optimal child development. There are over 52 IDPs throughout the province. IDP Consultants work with parents to provide a range of services to help children overcome developmental challenges. Participation in the program is voluntary and family centered. To find a program in your area, view the Child Development & Family Support Services Map

Infant Development Program (IDP)

Provides home-based prevention/early intervention services to infants and young children up to three years of age (up to five years in Aboriginal IDP). Consultants assess children, and help families acquire the tools, skills and community connections needed to promote optimal child development. There are over 52 IDPs throughout the province. IDP Consultants work with parents to provide a range of services to help children overcome developmental challenges. Participation in the program is voluntary and family centered. To find a program in your area, view the Child Development & Family Support Services Map

Aboriginal IDP

Provide culturally relevant home-based prevention/early intervention services to infants and young children up to three years of age (up to five years in Aboriginal IDP). Consultants assess children, and help families acquire the tools, skills and community connections needed to promote optimal child development. Click here to learn more.

Supported Child Development (SCD)

The Supported Child Development Program (SCDP) is a community-based program that offers a range of consulting and support services to children, families and child-care centres, so that children with extra support needs can participate in fully inclusive child care settings.

The SCDP facilitates a child’s participation in child care settings that assist the child to reach developmental goals and milestones.

Supported Child Development (SCD)

The Supported Child Development Program (SCDP) is a community-based program that offers a range of consulting and support services to children, families and child-care centres, so that children with extra support needs can participate in fully inclusive child care settings.

The SCDP facilitates a child’s participation in child care settings that assist the child to reach developmental goals and milestones.

Aboriginal Supported Child Development (ASCD)

Aboriginal Supported Child Development (ASCD) helps families of children with extra support needs access inclusive child care. The ASCD program promotes the development of children alongside their peers, and allows parents/caregivers to participate in the workforce and pursue their training or education. Click here to learn more.