Supported Child Development Program

What is Supported Child Development Program?

In order to be effectively included within a childcare setting, it is recognized that some children may require some extra support or assistance.

(SCD) Supported Child Development Program is for children from ages 0-12 years that are or will be attending a child care setting. Under special circumstances, this age limit can be increased to age 19.

(ASCD) Aboriginal Supported Child Development Program is a provincially funded program that is designed to specifically meet the needs of children of Indigenous Ancestry who require additional support. ASCD programs are developed with cultural values, beliefs, and traditions in mind.

Supported Child Development Brochure

Supported Child Development Handbook

SCD Referral Form

Resource Catalogue for Childcare Centres

Service Description:

The Supported Child Development Consultant will make visits to the child care setting. Home visits with families, team meetings to address individual needs and a range of other supports are also available through the program.

Additional supports may include:

Individual planning and staff support to meet child-specific needs
Consultation support around areas such as:
- How to promote effective inclusion
- Behavioral support
- How to adapt or structure the environment to meet needs
Information about and / or access to equipment, resources, and toys
Information about and referrals to other services
Connecting parents to informal supports such as parent groups

What types of child care can receive support?

Families choose a child care setting that best meets their needs and those of their child. Support is then provided to this setting through the Supported Child Development Program. The possible child care settings include:

Preschool
Group Child Care
Family Child Care
Out of School Care
Licensed Not Required Child Care

How often will a Supported Child Development Consultant visit?

The Supported Child Development Consultant will work with the family and child care setting to determine how often visits are needed. Visits to child care may range from once every few months to once a month, to once a week. Where children require a greater level of support, extra staffing support to the child care setting will be pursued in conjunction with Consultant support. Supported Child Development Consultants may also visit with families at home, participate in meetings with other professionals or accompany families on appointments.

SCD Referral Form

Eligibility:

Entry criteria: SCD
Anyone may refer a child for services as long as the legal guardian has given verbal or written permission. Children must:
• be residents of British Columbia, and living in Delta (catchment area)
• be between the ages of birth to 19 years (13 to 19 years in exceptional cases)

children are attending a licensed or license-not-required child care setting.
Have parents who are working or going to school.

Transition criteria:
Sometimes there is a need to transition to other levels of services or a transition within a program/service. Transition to another program/service may be needed due to following reasons:
• a change in need, physical and/or non-physical

a change in parent’s employment or student status
• they move out of Reach’s catchment area

Exit criteria:
A child will be discharged:
• at age 19
• when they no longer attend a child care setting
when they no longer require support in their childcare setting- this will take place in conversations and agreement with the legal guardian

Supported Child Development Program

Parents wishing to access services for children requiring extra support can contact Sarah Garnham.

Contact us with Questions (please do not use for referrals):

N: Sarah Garnham
P: (604) 946-6622, ext. 321
E: sarahg@reachchild.org
L: Delta areas

Child Care Challenges by Estelle Greb

Sally is coming to the end of her maternity leave and is thinking about her return to work and finding a childcare provider for her little girl. She wonders, who can I get to look after my daughter? How do I know if I am picking the right caregiver? What should I be looking for?

Zach is turning three in May. Jim, his dad, wonders if he should send him to preschool in the fall. He knows there are several preschools nearby and is wondering what the difference is from one another.

For many parents choosing a childcare setting can be an overwhelming task.