Our Early Childhood Educators strive to provide a program that meetsthe needs of the children’s social, emotional, physical and intellectual needs through a variety of interesting and age appropriate activities. The centre also provides inclusive child care so children with extra support needs can participate fully in the program. Through the City of Toronto's initiative "Every Child Belongs" and the centre philosophy, all children's needs can be met with third-party consultation. Observation and identification of needs will be completed should both parents and centre stafff deem it necessary. A team is created which may include some or all of the following: Parent, Child Care Staff, Consultant, Therapists, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Social Worker, etc.

Early Childhood Consultation

Terry Tan employs three Early Childhood Consultants that provide services to child care centres in the City of Toronto, Consultants provide observation; assessment and programming/individual suggestions to families and child care staff to promote the healthy development of children. Families and child care staff are supported through collaboration, problem solving and communication. The Consultants have expertise in the areas of child development, communication and behaviour management. In addition, the Consultants have access to outside specialized services and resources such as speech and language, social work and occupational therapists to enhance and support a child's development.

The Consultants support child care centres in a variety of ways. These may include:

• Consultation regarding general child care issues.
• Co-develop intervention strategies.
• Create and adapt equipment and materials.
• Program development.
• Provision of workshops and training programs.
• Information on specialized resource programs, workshops and resources within the community.

Written permission is mandatory for this service if it is to be accessed for individual children. The child care centre makes referrals for this service to the Consultant that is assigned to that site. The cost for this service is paid for by Toronto Children's Services under Special Needs Resource Funding.

The Early Childhood Consultants are also responsible for maintaining a relationship with various community based agencies and associations involved in specialized services.