Special Needs Resourcing
In Waterloo Region, special needs resourcing for early learning and care is provided by the Special Needs Resourcing Collaborative comprised of KidsAbility, KW Habilitation and the Special Needs Access Point (SNAP). Funding for the Special Needs Resourcing Collaborative is provided by the Region of Waterloo and the Province of Ontario. Referrals can be made by a parent, an educator or other professional.
At RisingOaks Early Learning, we work in partnership with the Special Needs Resourcing Collaborative to ensure an inclusive environment where each child can thrive. When you register/enrol your child, the Application for Enrolment will inquire about any additional support that may be required. This information enables us to work with you to create an Individial Support Plan or Individual Medical Plan to ensure your child's needs are met. Then, after our educators have worked with your child, additional resource needs may be identified. This is a collaborative process that puts your child at the centre.
Community Care Access Centre
The CCAC of Waterloo Region assists, directs and supports residents of the region in determining, coordinating and ensuring that the services they require are provided.
Family Compass Waterloo Region
KidsAbility
Healthy Babies, Healthy Children is a program funded by the government of Ontario for pregnant moms and for families with young children up to the age of 6.
The program provides prenatal and post partum information and offers support at any time for families of young children.
KW Habilitation
KW Habilitation's Early Learning Resource Consultants work with children from birth to school entry in licensed child care programs across Waterloo Region. Early Learning Resource Consultants use a Tiered Service Model:
- Tier 1 is “beneficial for all”. Here the Early Learning Resource Consultant visits and observes programs regularly and provides resources, training and support to the ELCC team. Consultation is provided to support all children in the group on topics related to children’s development, developmental and/or emotional regulation strategies, classroom management, classroom environment and other general program strategies.
- Tier 2 is “targeted to some”. Early LearningResource Consultants are able to target individual or small groups of children to work on a short term, targeted goal over the course of a few specific visits.
- Tier 3 is “specific to one”. Here, Early LearningResource Consultants provide more focused supports such as assessments, individual support plans, resources/referrals and strategies based on individual needs. An Early Learning Resource Consultant may also provide support for a child who is transitioning to school at a Tier 3 level.
The focus for the Early Learning Resource Consultant in all three tiers is on collaboration with families, early learning programs, and other professionals in order to include and ensure all children thrive in quality early learning and child care programs.
Special Needs Access Point (SNAP)
All referrals for services that support children with special needs in child care settings are done through this single point of access for service. Referrals will be forwarded to the appropriate agencies.
"SPOT" Program
S - Speech and Language
P - Physical
O - Occupational
T - Therapy
The Spot Program supports teachers and child care providers in their programs as they encourage physical development, and the development of speech and language in children from birth to 5 years.
