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You are currently viewing resources related to the question: I have questions about my child's development or health

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You and Your Baby

Your and Your Baby is a free program for parents and their babies. Each drop-in session gives parents the opportunity to meet other families in a warm and welcoming space, with a variety of guest speakers presenting from the community. Join us to discuss specific topics surrounding the health and well-being of families with infants up to 12 months.

You and Your Baby

You and Your Baby is a Beacon Community Services' Peninsula Early Years program. Learn about prenatal education, newborn care, nutrition, infant and mother health, stages of child development, and more in this free drop-in program. Connect with other parents on the Peninsula. For prenatal families and families with infants up to 12 months. In partnership with Island Health, public health nurses provide information and support, together with the facilitator and guest speakers.

Resource Guide: Autism & Dental Care

This online guide provides ideas and suggestions about dental hygiene, preparing for visits to the dentist, and general care, for families with special needs children and teens.

Family Support Institute BC

The Family Support Institute of BC (FSI) is a provincial not-for-profit society committed to supporting families who have a family member with a disability. FSI is unique in Canada and the only grassroots family-to-family organization with a broad volunteer base. FSI’s supports and services are FREE to any family.

ACT – Autism Community Training

ACT is a not-for-profit society that provides evidence-based information resources and training for the autism community. Our goal is to enable parents, professionals, and paraprofessionals to support children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder to live productive, satisfying lives, but much of our information is relevant across neurodiversities. Visit our website to see our free information resources, training video library and our upcoming workshops.

ACT’s Autism Manual for BC

ACT’s Autism Manual for B.C. is a manual for Living and Working with Children and Adult with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Community organizations and parents are welcome to print the relevant sections of the manual for easy reference. If you have corrections or updates, please email info@actcommunity.ca

Community Options for Children and Families

Community Options for Children and Families is a welcoming, innovative organization that provides a wide range of services to people with developmental disabilities, their families and their caregivers on South Vancouver Island. We work in partnership with other organizations, individuals and government to ensure the inclusion of all people in our community.

Autism Information Services BC

Autism Information Services British Columbia (AIS BC) is a provincial information centre for autism and related disorders that provides information and supports to families, service providers, and community professionals across B.C. Our experienced staff are available by phone, in person, or by email to explain the range of best practice treatment options for autism spectrum disorder to help you navigate the BC service system.

Tseycum First Nation HeadStart Program

COVID-19 Update: Please email contact for most up to date information. About the program Tseycum HeadStart Program is a program that supports activities focused on early childhood learning and development for First Nations children from birth to age six and their families. This includes pre and post natal support, cultural development programs, parenting and education programs and workshops, infant and toddler development programs, health screening, monitoring and referrals, fitness and nutrition, exercise, yoga for kids, Afterschool and Breakfast programs and literacy support.

Supported Child Development

Working with families, the Supported Child Development Program (SCDP) provides consultation, extra staffing supports and staff training to child care providers and early childhood educators. The SCDP helps to ensure that all children are included in, and learn from, their preschool, daycare, or child care arrangement in Greater Victoria. Referrals are accepted from both parents and professionals who work with children with developmental and behavioural challenges from birth to 19 years.

Prevention Speech

This program provides speech and language services to infants, toddlers and preschool children. To receive services, children must: have only speech and/or language delays or disorders, and be preschool aged – not yet eligible for kindergarten. Speech-language assessments and treatment are offered at the five regional public health units located in Victoria, Saanich, Esquimalt, West Shore and the Peninsula. Visit the website to contact the Health Unit closest to you.

Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Seating

Queen Alexandra provides orthotics, foot care, splinting, prosthetics, pedorthics, seating, and assistive devices to people of all ages across Vancouver Island. They care for people who need acute care, emergency, and rehabilitation services. Whatever your physical needs or challenges, they can help you go where and do what you want. Their services are located in at Queen Alexandra Centre for Children's Health, in the Fisher Building, 2400 Arbutus Road. These services are referral-based, please talk to your doctor about obtaining a referral.

James Bay Community Project

COVID-19 Update: Please see website for most up to date information. About the program
Youth & Family Outreach. We offer counselling, information and support to families and their children from birth - 19 years old.

Baby Talk (Sooke)

COVID-19 Update: Please see website for most up to date information. About the program These informal drop-in education sessions are put on by the Sooke Health Unit. Topics focus on infants 0-12 months of age and are led by a public health nurse. This is a great way to learn about raising your baby as well as a great way to meet other parents of young infants. Located at the Sooke Health Unit, 6672 Wadams Way Sooke, B.C. Call to find out the weekly discussion topic.

Smiles First Program

COVID-19 Update: Please see website for most up to date information. About the program One-on-one consultation for at-risk pregnant women and parents with infants, toddlers and preschoolers.  Smiles First provides assessment and skill building for parents to understand factors that increase the risk of dental disease, and learn ways to reduce risk.  Visual screening can identify early stages of decay, and fluoride varnish or dental referral is provided as needed.  This services is available at all health units and some community locations. Contact your local health unit for information.

Camosun Dental Clinic

COVID-19 Update: Please see website for most up to date information. About the program Clients of all ages and the public are welcome to visit our in-house Dental Hygiene clinic between September and April each year. Our Dental Hygiene students provide professional, preventive and therapeutic services that are caring, high quality and low cost. Personalized care is provided by students under the direction and supervision of licensed faculty. Initial screening is free for everyone. Subsequent appointments are free for children under 3, $5 for children ages 3-5. The Dental Clinic is is located at Camosun College Lansdowne (Dental Building), 3100 Foul Bay Rd. Victoria.

Kid Care Canada

At Kid Care Canada our focus is social and emotional health, now considered the best foundation for mental, emotional and physical wellness, and happiness and success throughout life. Our resources guide you so that you can be a more confident and relaxed parent. You will see how your everyday nurturing actions put your infant or toddler on the path for social and emotional health, and that the benefits last a lifetime!

Beacon FASD Support Services

Keyworker services are provided at no cost to families for children (0-18 yrs) with diagnosed or suspected Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

Child Passenger Safety Program

In partnership with the CRD Traffic Safey Commision, learn how to properly install and use car seats at our free clinics or information sessions. Seats are also available on a short-term loan. Located at the Peninsula Early Years Centre, 1649 Mt. Newton Cross Road, Saanichton. Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peninsulaearlyyears/

Play & Chat Packs

Parents, caregivers and community members can borrow a Play & Chat Pack in support of a child`s social connection and language development. Each pack has a theme, and includes activities and tips for playing and building language skills. There are 25 different themes to choose from. Packs are housed at the Peninsula Early Years Centre, 1649 Mt. Newton Cross Road, Saanichton. Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peninsulaearlyyears

Peninsula Early Years Centre

At the Peninsula Early Years Centre, Beacon Community Services offers a welcoming, nurturing space for families and caregivers with children ages 6 and under. Families will find comfort and encouragement, as well as important resources and supports that help build a strong foundation for young children – so they get the strongest start possible in life. Located at 1649 Mt. Newton Cross Road, Saanichton.  Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peninsulaearlyyears

Beacon Community Services

Beacon Community Services is a community-based charity. Beacon volunteers and staff provide care and support to thousands of people on southern Vancouver Island and the outer Gulf Islands, through a wide range of programs and services including children, youth and family services, counselling, training and employment, seniors’ services and care, housing, and volunteer services. Please contact us for more information. Located at 9860 Third Street, Sidney, BC

Peninsula Health Unit

COVID-19 Update: Please see website for most up to date information. About the program Public Health Units provide services to the communities and individuals they serve, with a goal to increase health and wellness. Access immunizations, prenatal support, postpartum programs, etc. Location: 2170 Mt Newton Cross Rd. Saanichton BC.

Peninsula Babies

Registered program. Learn about prenatal education, newborn care, nutrition, infant and mother health, stages of child development and more. For families in the prenatal stage on to infants of nine months. In partnership with Island Health, public health nurses provide information and support, together with the facilitator and guest speakers. This free program includes lunch. Program located in Sidney. Contact for registration: peninsulababies@beaconcs.ca

Sooke Family Resource Society – Family Support Group

COVID-19 Update: Please see website for most up to date information. About the program This parent-child playgroup is an extension of our Family Support Program.  The group offers support to parents with children 0-6 years who may be facing challenges in life such as single parenthood, low income, or young parenthood.  The group will focus on supportive parenting strategies. Call to register. Sooke group meets every other Thursdsay 10AM-noon.

Victoria Native Friendship Centre

COVID-19 Update: Please see website for most up to date information. About the program We strive to support the healthy growth and development of Aboriginal children, youth, and families. The Aboriginal Early Intervention Services Team includes the Aboriginal Infant Development Program (AIDP), the FASD Key Worker, and the Aboriginal Supported Child Development Program (ASCDP). The Aboriginal Early Intervention Team provides support to families living on or off reserve in the South Vancouver Island Region, which includes the 9 local First Nations (Tseycum First Nation, Tsawout First Nation, Tsartlip First Nation, Pauquachin First Nation, Beecher Bay First Nation, T’sou-ke First Nation, Pacheedaht First Nation, Songhees First Nation, and Esquimalt First Nation) Métis, and Urban Aboriginal community. VNFC is located at 231 Regina Ave. Victoria

Pacific Centre Family Services Association

COVID-19 Update: Please see website for most up to date information. About the program Pacific Centre Family Services Association is dedicated to maintaining outstanding services for the people we work with through education, counselling and creative programming. Locations: Centre for Wellbeing, 324 Goldstream Ave, Colwood; and 6672 Wadams Way, Sooke.

Early Intervention Programs

COVID-19 Update: Please see website for most up to date information. About the program The Early Intervention Program (EIP) provides services for children from birth to 5 years of age with or at risk for developmental delays, living in Greater Victoria and the Southern Gulf Islands  It is a multidisciplinary service based on child needs and family priorities. Services are provided in the child’s home, daycare, preschool, community program or at one of our four office locations. The Queen Alexandra Family Centre is located at 345 Wale Rd, Colwood.

Sooke Library

COVID-19 Update: Please see website for most up to date information. About the program We have plenty to offer children of all ages. Books, stories, games, crafts, audiobooks and more! Located at 2065 Anna Marie Rd., Sooke

Sooke Health Unit

COVID-19 Update: Please see website for most up to date information. Island Health Resources: Child health and development, Dental, Flu vaccine and influenza prevention campaigns, Hearing, Immunizations, Nutrition, Parenting, Prenatal registration and postpartum support, Speech. The Health Unit is located at #104-6672 Wadams Way, Sooke

West Shore Health Unit

COVID-19 Update: Please see website for most up to date information. Island Health Resources: Child health and development, Dental, Flu vaccine and influenza prevention campaigns, Hearing, Immunizations, Nutrition, Parenting, Prenatal registration and postpartum support, Speech. The Health Unit is located at 345 Wale Road, Colwood

Esquimalt Smart Families

COVID-19 Update: Please see website for most up to date information. About the program Free program, for parents with babies under 12 months. Group focus is on parenting discussion topics - baby and parent health & wellness, attachment, baby Mother Goose songs and rhymes. The group goal is to grow healthy infants and Strong families. Call to register. Located at Esquimalt Neighbourhood House, 511 Constance Ave. Victoria.

Individual Parenting Support

COVID-19 Update: Please see website for most up to date information. About the program Individual appointments/ one-to-one sessions offer opportunities for support, learn new parenting strategies, problem solve your child’s behavior and gain parenting confidence, and find ideas for self-care and coping. For parents with children newborn to 12 years of age. The number of sessions is customized to individual parent’s needs; sessions can be weekdays, or late afternoon, early evening hours. Support provided by Esquimalt Neighbourhood House, 511 Constance Ave. Victoria

Parent Talk

COVID-19 Update: Please see website for most up to date information. About the program Free drop-in for parents with newborns to active baby (7 - 9 mos.). Guest speakers, monthly Public Health Nurse visit, opportunities to meet other parents and learn about resources for families in the community. Formally "Baby Talk". Hosted by the Esquimalt Neighbourhood House. The drop-in takes place at Esquimalt Rec Centre, 527 Fraser St. Victoria.

Youth Prenatal & Parenting Program

COVID-19 Update: Please see website for most up to date information. About the program The Youth Prenatal & Parenting Program (formerly Care Home Parenting Program) helps young women who are pregnant or in the early months of parenting (aged 15-21) through a combination of housing, life skills training and counselling. The program specifically supports women who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Through supported independent living in a stable and caring environment, the young moms can acquire the skills needed to reach their potential as independent women and skilled parents. Hosted by the Boys & Girls Club, located at 301-1195 Esquimalt Rd. Victoria. 

Moms and Mentors

COVID-19 Update: Please see website for most up to date information. About the program This program matches isolated single moms, who are often grappling with poverty as well as the emotional and psychological difficulties that so often accompany relationship dissolution, with volunteer Mentors for friendship, support, and positive role modeling. Program run by 1Up Victoria Single Parent Resource Centre, located at 602 Gorge Rd. East, Victoria.

Parent Support Circles

COVID-19 Update: Please see website for most up to date information. About the program Self-help group providing caregivers and parents with a safe environment in which they can talk about their children, parenting challenges, successes and failures, the stress or worries in their lives, receive support and parenting skills. Support Circles are free, confidential, anonymous, (often) weekly meetings of parents who wish to learn new ways to nurture and protect their children. Contact for locations and times. 

Family Talk – Laugh, Learn & Lunch

COVID-19 Update: Please see website for most up to date information. About the program Join the FGCA staff as we explore the challenges and joys of parenting young children over lunch. Programming will include shared food and group discussions. Limited on-site childminding will be available. In the main Place building 1330 Fairfield Rd. Please note this program runs together with Drop In Parent & Tot, so space is limited.  Participants are encouraged to arrive early. Thursdays, Laugh  & Learn 10:30am-11:00am, then Lunch 11:00am-11:30am Free, but donations welcome. *this program does not operate during school closures (summer break, winter break, spring break, Pro D days)  Contact for more information.

PATHWAYS for Families

*Paused indefinitely due to COVID-19* Small group workshop series covering financial literacy, parenting, cooking, lifelong learning, employment strategies, visioning and goal setting. Located at the Mustard Seed Family Centre, 625 Queens Ave. Victoria.

Tripe P Parenting Group

COVID-19 Update: Please see website for most up to date information. About the program Triple P Parenting promotes a strong parent-child relationship, enhancement of child development as well as management of children’s behaviour in a constructive and non-harmful way. No Child Care Available. Limited child care subsidy. Located at James Bay Community Project, 547 Michigan St. Victoria. Contact Barbara, by phone or email. 

Young Parent Play & Connect

A play and discussion group for parents under 29 years old and their children. Please contact Tanya to register. Located at Saanich Neighbourhood Place, 3100 Tillicum Rd.

Triple P Parenting Support

COVID-19 Update: Please see website for most up to date information. About the program 8 to 10 sessions that increases parenting confidence, and aims to make parenting easier. For parents with children 12 months to 12 years of age. The topics discussed offers suggestions and ideas on positive parenting to help you promote your child’s development and look after yourself as a parent. Hosted at the Esquimalt Neighbourhood House, 511 Constance Ave. Victoria

BC Family Hearing Resource Society

COVID-19 Update: Please see website for most up to date information. About the program Their services are available to infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children. They include: individual session; speech, language and auditory therapy, sign language instruction, language groups for children and parents, extended family support, parent peer support, deaf mentor sessions, cochlear implant habilitation, access to current research, information and education materials.

Eye See.. Eye Learn

Eye See... Eye Learn is a program that provides kindergarten student with a comprehensive eye exam from a participating BC doctor of optometry. If required, kindergarten students will also receive one free pair of eyeglasses.

ORCCA Dental Clinic Society

COVID-19 Update: Please see website for most up to date information. ORCCA's purpose is to provide children and adolescents under 19 years of age from low-income families access to oral care in a not for profit setting. It is based on the beliefs that all children and adolescents have the right to healthy oral care and that effective oral care positively transforms the health and lives of children and adolescents.

Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Clinic

The Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Service is an interdisciplinary team working in collaboration with families and community partners to: support best practice in assessment and treatment of children and youth with feeding, swallowing and nutrition concerns; provide education for families and partners; contribute to current knowledge in order to support optimum, safe nutritional health for clients Located at Queen Alexandra Centre for Children's Health, 2400 Arbutus Rd. Victoria BC

Child & Youth Mental Health (Saanich)

COVID-19 Update: Please see website for most up to date information. Child, Youth and Family Mental Health Services offers a range of services including short-term crisis intervention, multidisciplinary assessment and treatment and inpatient assessment and treatment planning. Their services are client centred, trauma-informed, least restrictive and collaborative. You can visit the Saanich CYMH location every Tuesday 9am-12pm(noon) and Thursday 12pm-3pm, for drop-in intake. Location: 201-4478 W. Saanich Rd. Victoria.

Child & Youth Mental Health (Victoria)

COVID-19 Update: Please see website for most up to date information. Child, Youth and Family Mental Health Services offers a range of services including short-term crisis intervention, multidisciplinary assessment and treatment and inpatient assessment and treatment planning. Their services are client centred, trauma-informed, least restrictive and collaborative. You can visit the Victoria CYMH location every Tuesday 9am-12pm(noon) and Thursday 12pm-3pm, for drop-in intake. Location: 302-2955 Jutland Rd, Victoria.

Esquimalt Health Unit

COVID-19 Update: Please see website for most up to date information. Public Health Units provide services to the communities and individuals they serve, with a goal to increase health and wellness. Access immunizations, prenatal support, postpartum programs, etc. Located at 530 Fraser St. Victoria.

Victoria Health Unit

Public Health Units provide services to the communities and individuals they serve, with a goal to increase health and wellness. Access immunizations, prenatal support, postpartum programs, etc. Located at 1947 Cook St. Victoria.

Saanich Health Unit

Public Health Units provide services to the communities and individuals they serve, with a goal to increase health and wellness. Access immunizations, prenatal support, postpartum programs, etc. Located at 3995 Quadra St. Victoria.

Island Health Immunizations

COVID-19 Update: Please see website for most up to date information. About the program An opportunity for children 0-5 years to get immunized by Island Health professionals. Available at many locations.

Early Intervention Programs

COVID-19 Update: Please see website for most up to date information. The Early Intervention Program (EIP) provides services for children from birth to 5 years of age with or at risk for developmental delays, living in Greater Victoria and the Southern Gulf Islands It is a multidisciplinary service based on child needs and family priorities. Located at Queen Alexandra Centre for Children's Health, 2400 Arbutus Rd. Victoria.

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