Activity 3.2 | Programs and Projects

Sometimes, provincial and local programs offer outreach or funding opportunities. In this activity, you will explore various provincial and local resources and consider how they might support your setting. You will take a closer look at 

In Nanaimo, the BC Centre for Ability's Supported Child Development(SCD), supports and mentors educators in their centres.

The Victoria-based SCD program is situated in the Queen Alexandra (QA) Centre for Children’s Health. QA provides services with its therapy team, funding for support workers, training, and centre visits. 

The Ministry of Education and Child Care supports the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) program in Victoria, B.C. Erin Waddell is involved in an inclusion environment project offered to educators working in child care programs. 

The Victoria Child Care Resource and Referraldecided to develop a much-needed program in Victoria, B.C, to aid educators in meeting the inclusive care needs of their community. The child care consultants at the CCRR developed a program to meet the diverse needs of the child care community. 

As you peruse these resources, consider: 

How might you share your needs with an agency in your area?

The Inclusive Environment Project

The Inclusive Environment Project was developed by a child care consultant at the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) Centre to help build more supportive and inclusive child care environments. This initiative was created in response to a growing concern: more children were being asked to leave child care centres due to challenging behaviours. Recognizing the urgent need for change, the CCRR launched the project to offer mentorship, resources, and partnerships that strengthen the ability of educators and programs to meet the diverse needs of all children and families.

The number of expulsions in child care centres is increasing. The CCRR Inclusive Environment Project is another way to meet the needs of educators and children at their centre. 

Erin has been putting out a call to child care centres in the area to welcome programs that show interest in her project. She believes it is important that there is a perspective shift in how educators view their role in the care of children who may struggle with ‘big’ behaviours. Erin and her colleague visit educators, children and families. The child care consultants offer mentorship, resources and community outreach opportunities. Partnerships are developed. 

In these partnerships, mentorship training is offered to support individual children. Educators have shared that when mentorship is offered in their program, they feel that they develop and grow alongside their colleagues, children, and families. Stronger relationships and change can then occur. It is a significant step forward in the field of inclusion. 

On the next page, you will be invited to watch a video interview with Erin Waddell, discussing the Inclusive Environment Project, and are encouraged to reflect on how the ideas shared connect to the needs of the children and families in your program. 

References

BC Centre for Ability. (n.d.). Supported child development. https://www.bc-cfa.org/programs/children-and-youth/supported-child-development

Victoria Child Care Resource & Referral Centre. (n.d.). Home. https://www.childcarevictoria.org/