We Believe...
Families are of primary
importance in their child’s development.
Services are most effective when
parents are actively involved with the planning and implementation of their
child’s program. The family is the best source of information about the child’s
abilities and needs and can be the child’s best, most committed long-term
advocate.
Children and their families are
entitled to be treated with respect and should have equal rights.
Services should complement the
existing family resources, honouring each family’s “racial, cultural,
socio-economic and personal uniqueness”. Families should have opportunities to
build on their strengths and to extend their support network.
Teamwork
best meets the child’s and family’s needs.
The team shall consist of the
family and those professionals whose skills can best meet the child’s and
family’s needs. Information and service can best be provided through a
collaborative team approach. Families require complete and unbiased
information in a supportive manner in order to make informed decisions about
their child.
Intervention is best provided as
soon as a need is identified.
All families should have access
to appropriate services as soon as a problem or concern is identified.
Effective early intervention can reduce the need for long-term support services
for the child and family. Services should be integrated across environments and
provide support to families through transitions. This increases the child’s
chance for success in all environments and lays the foundation for lifelong
competency.
Every
child should have equal access to full community participation.
Children with special needs are
valuable assets to their families and to their communities. They are entitled
to the same opportunities as typically developing children: the opportunity to
interact with their peers, to be involved in activities that are developmentally
appropriate and challenging, and to engage in interactions that are nurturing
and fun.
Every child has the potential
for growth.
It is essential that children
with special needs access individualized programs and services in order to
enhance learning and maximize growth.
We believe in developing working
partnerships with other community service providers. It is by working together
that we can support children and their families, and promote understanding and
acceptance of individuals with special needs in the community.
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