Early Intervention Program
Preschool Consultation Program

The Preschool Consultation Program assists child care programs in meeting the mental health needs of young children. The consultations are based in the Centre’s Early Intervention Program, and offer support to childcare programs and families that are working towards meeting the needs of children with significant behavioural difficulties.

Description of Services

• Identification of helpful resource materials that can be used by the program or family.
• Strategies given to the program and family to adapt the environment to better meet the child’s needs.
• Provide information and education to the program and family concerning the child’s difficulties.
• Referral of the child and family to appropriate community resources.
• Referral of the family to Children’s Centre Thunder Bay for further clinical assessment and/or more intensive intervention program.

Admission Criteria

Childcare programs that are experiencing difficulty with a child’s behavior and are having little success using their traditional resources may refer the child to the Preschool Consultation Program. Some of the behaviours the child may exhibit include but are not limited to:

• Lack of impulse control
• Anger/aggression
• Low self esteem
• Extreme anxiety
• Difficulty with social skills

Exclusion Criteria

• Consent not provided by parent for child to participate in services
• Catchment area outside of district

Referrals

Referrals can be made once it is determined by the child’s Early Child educator and Resource Teacher that the child’s needs surpass the program’s resources to meet those needs. Referral forms can be requested from Intake Services at 343-5000.