May 1 to 7 is Early Childhood Intervention Program Week in Saskatchewan. To celebrate the week, a flag was raised at City Hall.
The province-wide program is composed of a network of community-based organizations who have partnered to provide supports for children who are experiencing or are at risk of developmental delays.
The vision behind the program is that all families should be able to meet the developmental needs of their children no matter where they reside.
Colleen Sabraw, executive director of the Battlefords Early Childhood Intervention Program, said their staff connect families with professionals.
"They work collaboratively with child care providers, speech pathologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, physicians, early childhood psychologists, teachers and school administrators to support achievement of family-centered goals," said Sabraw.
Since its inception in 1982, the Battlefords branch, which is a United Way member, has served approximately 1,500 children.
"Children who are involved with BECIP are often delayed in reaching age-appropriate developmental milestones such as walking, talking, eating, maneuvering, playing or interacting socially," explained Sabraw.
Partially funded by the Ministry of Education and through individual contracts with a variety of organizations and agencies, BECIP relies on both public and private donations.
Questions can be directed to the BECIP office, at 446-4545.
