What Community Resources Are Available for Child Development?
Key Takeaways:
- There are many community resources available to support child development and families in the Peel Region.
- Resources include government-funded therapy services, parent support organizations, childcare supports, and developmental programs.
- Available services vary depending on where you live.
- If you’re unsure where to begin, our team at Developing Hands is happy to help guide you toward the right resources.
Community Resources for Families
There are many community resources available to families to support child development. Check out the resources below! If you are looking for something more, contact us and we will try to guide you in the right direction!
Below, you will find a few key resource documents and organizations to help you navigate the many community resources available in the Peel Region.
Early Intervention & Therapy Services:
- ErinoakKids Centre for Treatment and Development
- If your child is under 5 years old, they may qualify for free, government-funded services through your local treatment centre.
- The treatment centre serving the Peel Region is ErinoakKids (905-855-2690).
- ErinoakKids offers support in a variety of areas, including:
- Speech and Language
- Feeding
- Occupational Therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Autism Services
- Assistive Devices
- Caregivers can self-refer by contacting the treatment centre directly. Click here!
- Peel Inclusion Resource Services (PIRS)
- Government-funded support within daycare settings can be accessed through Peel Inclusion Resource Services (PIRS) (905-890-9432).
- A PIRS Resource Consultant can support your child’s educators by providing:
- Classroom strategies
- Educational resources
- Guidance for creating an inclusive daycare environment
- Learn more by clicking here!
Free Programs for Young Children
- EarlyON Child and Family Centres
- EarlyON Centres offer free, high-quality drop-in programs for families with children 6 years of age and under.
- These programs provide:
- Opportunities for children to play and socialize
- Play-based learning experiences
- Caregiver participation
- Accessible family support
- Community connections
- Many EarlyON Centres also offer the Parent/Caregiver-Child Mother Goose Program, which introduces rhymes, songs, and stories that support early language development.
- To find an EarlyON Centre near you, click here!
Resource Guides
- Early Years Resources – Programs for Support
- This resource guide provides information on programs available throughout the Peel Region that support children’s development in areas such as:
- Physical health and well-being
- Social competence
- Emotional maturity
- Language development
- Cognitive development
- Communication skills
- General knowledge
- It also includes resources specifically for:
- Aboriginal communities
- Newcomers to Canada
- Francophone services
- Last updated: May 2018
- Download the resource by clicking here.
- This resource guide provides information on programs available throughout the Peel Region that support children’s development in areas such as:
- Child and Adolescent Community Resource List
- This comprehensive resource list includes organizations, services, and contact information for a wide range of supports, including:
- Hospitals
- Health services
- Counselling
- Schools
- Community programs
- Click here to learn more
- This comprehensive resource list includes organizations, services, and contact information for a wide range of supports, including:
Parent & Caregiver Organizations
- Ontario Association for Families of Children with Communication Disorders (OAFCCD)
- The Ontario Association for Families of Children with Communication Disorders (OAFCCD) is a network of parents, caregivers, and professionals, including Speech-Language Pathologists.
- OAFCCD works alongside families to help children and youth access effective speech and language services.
- Resources available include:
- Family resources
- Parent guides to support school success
- Information about the Preschool Language Program
- Information about the Infant Hearing Program
- Ministry of Education regulations and resources
- Provincial organizations supporting communication disorders
- French-language resources for caregivers
- Helpful Links
Child & Family Support
- Child Development Resource Connection Peel
- The Child Development Resource Connection Peel (CDRCP) provides information and resources related to:
- Child and family programs
- Licensed childcare
- Special needs supports
- Professional development and staff training
- Resource lending library
- French and interpretation services are also available
- Learn More: https://cdrcp.com/
- The Child Development Resource Connection Peel (CDRCP) provides information and resources related to:
Need Help Finding the Right Resource?
Every family’s journey is unique, and navigating available services can sometimes feel overwhelming.
If you have questions or need assistance accessing any of the resources above, contact Developing Hands. Our team is happy to help point you toward the supports that best fit your child’s and family’s needs.
