Nisg̱a’a Supported Child Development Program
SERVICES
Inclusion is essential in supporting children requiring any level of extra support to actively participate in a full range of childcare settings. The objective of the Nisg̱a’a Supported Child Development Program (NSCDP) is to engage families, childcare settings, and communities that support our children’s developmental goals.
NSCDP provides intervention and extra support for special needs children, their families and communities. NSCDP services the four Nisg̱a’a Villages in the Nass Valley and operates as an outreach program for clients that qualify. The program provides training necessary for the care of a child and assist parents in retaining services that are pertinent to their child’s particular needs.
NSCDP is family centred, reflective and responsive to community diversity. Families participate on a voluntary basis. The program is mandated to work with children from birth to 19 years of age.
Contact us if you have any concerns about his/her child’s development in areas such as (but not limited to):
- communication and/or speech and language,
- motor skills,
- cognition, and
- social/emotional/behavioral skills.
Children in the program may have a specific diagnosis which includes, but is not limited to:
- ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder),
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder,
- Speech Disorders,
- Deaf and/or hard of hearing,
- Visually impaired, and
- Complex Health Care needs.
NSCDP accepts referrals by letter, fax or phone call from parents, teachers, health staff, and other professionals. Referrals from anyone other than the parent must have parental consent to participate in the program.
The referring source will be requested to obtain the signature of the parent on referral forms to ensure consent before NSCDP contacts the family.
The NSCDP Coordinator makes the initial contact with the family (parent/guardian), introduces themselves, and describes the program and eligibility criteria. If the family wishes to continue, either of the two staff will arrange a meeting to discuss child and family needs, resources, options and the potential role of the NSCDP. Results of the meeting could include:
- identification of no need for NSCDP,
- referral of family to other service, or
- identification of need for the NSCDP.
Once your child has been referred and meets eligibility, we will:
- contact you to obtain more information,
- set up an appointment to discuss the next step,
- conduct any further assessments, referral appointments, and a Child Service Plan with team members with regard to specific child need, and
- fill out necessary forms.
The rights to harvest fish do not alter federal and provincial laws about property in fish, which provide generally that no one owns fish until they are caught. Nisg̱a’a can also harvest fish outside the Treaty in accordance with federal and provincial laws that apply to everyone or, in some circumstances, in accordance with agreements with other First Nations.
Nisg̱a’a entitlements to fish are held by the Nisg̱a’a Nation and the right to fish may not be sold or transferred. However, the Nisg̱a’a Nation can authorize others to harvest some of the fish under Nisg̱a’a entitlement from time to time. Canada and British Columbia cannot require Nisg̱a’a to have federal and provincial licenses or to pay fees, charges, or royalties with respect to harvesting fish or aquatic plants for domestic purposes. When Nisg̱a’a sell fish harvested under the Treaty, they are subject to the same fees and charges that apply to commercial harvesters.
NSCDP will establish from all linkages with various community agencies to facilitate service coordination such as but not limited to:
- community Health Centres/Doctors/Nurses/Infant Development Programs,
- early Intervention Therapy Services/Child Care Centre, and
- School District #92 (Nisg̱a’a).
The rights to harvest fish do not alter federal and provincial laws about property in fish, which provide generally that no one owns fish until they are caught. Nisg̱a’a can also harvest fish outside the Treaty in accordance with federal and provincial laws that apply to everyone or, in some circumstances, in accordance with agreements with other First Nations.
Nisg̱a’a entitlements to fish are held by the Nisg̱a’a Nation and the right to fish may not be sold or transferred. However, the Nisg̱a’a Nation can authorize others to harvest some of the fish under Nisg̱a’a entitlement from time to time. Canada and British Columbia cannot require Nisg̱a’a to have federal and provincial licenses or to pay fees, charges, or royalties with respect to harvesting fish or aquatic plants for domestic purposes. When Nisg̱a’a sell fish harvested under the Treaty, they are subject to the same fees and charges that apply to commercial harvesters.
NSCDP will implement general and child specific training for families, childcare providers, support workers and community setting staff. NSCDP may also provide training to other key community resources on topics such as:
- effective strategies for inclusion,
- family centred care,
- child specific disabilities/delays, and
- challenging behaviors.
If you have any questions or believe that the Nisg̱a’a Supported Child Development Program can be of assistance, please contact:
Joanne Davis, Family Services Program Manager
Nisg̱a’a Child & Family Services
PO Box 231, 5100 Skateen Avenue
Gitlaxt’aamiks (New Aiyansh), BC
Tel: 250 633-2603
Fax: 250 633-2609
Email: joanned@nisgaanation.ca
Cheryl Tait, Supported Child Development Consultant
Tel: 250 633-2593
Toll Free: 1-888-533-2593
E-mail: cherylt@nisgaanation.ca
Shirley Ducharme, Supported Child Development Consultant
Tel: 250 633-2319
Toll Free: 1-888-633-2319
E-mail: shirleyd@nisgaanation.ca
