|
"We must begin very early with our children in instructing them in teachings. Children are born with fully developed senses and are aware of what is happening around them"
Mishomis Book- The Voice of the Ojibway
|
|
|
|
|
The Infant Development Program is one of the services offered through the Wikwemikong Family Centre for all Wikwemikong Band Members. It is a voluntary program to assist and provide adequate care and culturally based practices for children and parents who are in need of emotional support, parental teachings, and guidance.
(Photograph to left) Baby Kazmair- son of proud parents Bonita and Louis, enjoys some of the resources available as part of the Infant Development Program at the Wikwemikong Family Centre.
|
|
|
|
The Infant Development Program is one of the services offered through the Wikwemikong Family Centre for all Wikwemikong Band Members. It is a voluntary program to assist and provide adequate care and culturally-based practices for children and parents who are in need of emotional support, parental teachings, and guidance.
The goal of the Infant Development Program is to help provide each child with an optimum level of development. Each child born into this world is a Gift from the Creator. We as parents must take care of our children. We as a community have an obligation to provide a healthy and safe environment for all our children.
The Infant Development Program Worker will assist the parent(s), guardian(s) to achieve all levels of care needed for physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and cultural growth. We believe that we can only assist by volunteering our program services. However, the best resource for providing quality nurturing and bonding comes from the parents (guardians) themselves.
|
|
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
|
|
The Infant Development Program is available to all Wikwemikong Band Members to enhance and ensure each child has the right to receive a healthy lifestyle and a safe environment.
Each child’s growth and development is measured by using a standardized assessment tool to identify strengths and needs. This assessment is done at three months intervals because early intervention is crucial for the child’s growth and development. An individualized plan of care is done based on the assessment. Activities are selected and geared to each child’s level of development. Referrals and support letters can be writtten where extended services are required.
We encourage all fathers to be active participants in all aspects of their child’s growth and development. Fathers and mothers are equally responsible in the raising of their children.
|
|
HOME VISITS
|
|
The Infant Development Worker will visit your home regularly to offer support, guidance and an awareness of your child’s growth and development. Evening home visits are also available to students and working parents. Office visits are welcomed and encouraged.
|
|
BRIGANCE ASSESSMENT
|
|
Each child's growth and development is measured by using a standardized assessment tool to identify strengths and needs. This assessment is done at three month intervals because early intervention is crucial for the child's growth and development. An individualized plan of care is done based on the assessment. Activities are selected and geared to each child's level of development. Fathers and mothers are equally responsible in the raising of their children.
|
|
MOMS AND TOTS
|
|
The Infant Development Program works with teen parents utilizing a variety of activities, life skills, and workshops to create a basic repetoire of life skills designed to ehnance parenting skills.
|
|
PLAYTIME SESSIONS
|
|
To ensure that young parents socialize with other parents and children. To encourage parents to interact with their child and to teach parents how to operate toys (age appropriate).
|
|
REFERRALS
|
|
Ages range from birth to three years of age. Requests and referrals come from any concerned parent, physician, public health nurse, Community Health Representative, or any other community agency, and is available to families at no cost.
|
|
A Note On Referrals;
|
|
Ages range from birth to three years. Requests and referrals can come from any concerned parent, physician, public health nurse, Community Health Representative (CHR), or any Wikwemikong community agency. These services are available to families at no cost.
|
|
RESOURCES
|
|
A resource library with books, videos and age appropriate toys are available to active program participants on a loan system. Infant car seats are also available for rent with the sole purpose of transporting infant home from hospital. Other special services are available for clients who are enrolled in the program.
A friendly reminder to mothers and fathers, don’t forget to register our new band member (your child) with our Wikwemikong Membership Clerk. For more information, call (705) 859-3122, extension # 301.
|
|
|
