2019-2020 CVCDA Annual Report

ANNUAL REPORT

2019 - 2020

CVCDA.CA



TABLE OF CONTENTS

WELCOME TO THE CVCDA Aboriginal Speech -Language Pathology 25

CVCDA Funders 4 Aboriginal Supported Child Development 26

About the CVCDA 5 Early Years Community Outreach 27

Supported Child Development 28

YEAR IN REVIEW The Autism Program (TAP) 30

Message from Board Chair 6 Jumpstart Preschool 32

Board of Directors 7 VI Regional Advisors for IDP and SCD 33

Message From Executive Director 8 Behaviour Consultation 34

CVCDA in the Community 10 Family Support Program 35

Community Fundraising Initiatives 12 Pathways to Healing Partnership 36

2019 CVCDA Children’s Telethon 14 The Friendship Project 37

CVCDA Says Farewell 16 Project Inclusion 38

Community Integration 39

CVCDA PROGRAMS CVCDA Staff Listing 40

Family Advocate 19 2019-2020 FIGURES

Infant Development Program 20 Financial Data 42

Early Intervention Therapy 22 Client Figures 43

Aboriginal Infant Development 24

WELCOME TO THE CVCDA

CVCDA FUNDERS

The Comox Valley Child Development Association is a Funds raised at the Telethon, as well as donations made
registered non-profit society. Donations are very important all year round, support the work of the CVCDA and are
to help us serve local children and families. Our main gratefully accepted. A tax deductible receipt is issued for all
fundraiser is the Children’s Telethon held annually on the donations.
first Sunday of November.

Thank you to these ongoing funders:

CVCDA MANDATE means that we recognize that families know their children
best and play the most important role in their life. We sup-
The Comox Valley Child Development Association provides port families to make decisions about their child’s services;
services to children, youth and adults with diverse abilities we respect individual families’ values, beliefs, and cultural
and their families. Our primary location is at the corner of backgrounds. At the CVCDA families are equal partners in
Third Street and Cliffe Avenue, but our work also takes us the provision of services.
into schools, homes, and other parts of the community.

All of the services at the CVCDA are family-centred. This

4 COMOX VALLEY CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT

The Comox Valley Child Development Association (CVCDA) is committed
to the support of children, their families, and caregivers so that the lives

of children, parents, staff and the child care community are enriched
educationally, emotionally, socially, and physically.

The Comox Valley Child Development Association (CVCDA) is school age children and youth and now offers two programs
a non-profit society that has served children and youth with for young adults.
special needs since 1974.
Now at its present site at 3rd and Cliffe, the early interven-
The Comox Valley Child Development Centre, later changed tion therapies and Infant Development program, two of the
to Child Development Association, opened its doors in down- original 1974 services, are still there, although the therapists
town Cumberland on July 12, 1974. are likely spending more time in family homes and the com-
munity than in their offices. There is still a preschool program,
Initially services were focused on preschool age children with Project Jumpstart, offered for all children in partnership with
developmental delays and disabilities. Services, like Early School District #71 at Courtenay Elementary. Other programs
Intervention Therapies and preschool, were offered mainly include: Supported Child Development; Autism Program;
within the centre. Over the years the agency and the services Behaviour Consultant; Community Integration and Project
provided have grown and changed to respond to the needs Inclusion. All of them are designed to not only enrich the lives
of the children and families who access them. The Cumber- of the people who access the services, but also to contrib-
land site was closed and the association opened a community ute to a stronger Comox Valley that welcomes and includes
based office with the capacity to offer inclusive services in the everyone who lives here.
location (home, park, or therapy room) that worked best for
the child and family. As well the agency expanded to serve

The CVCDA respectfully acknowledges that it is a privilege and an honour to live and work
in the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation.

COMOX VALLEY CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT 5

YEAR IN REVIEW

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR

“We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things.....If
everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself”

It is funny how, when you are struggling to write a report, sometimes a quote,
such as the one above jumps out from a page for no apparent reason. The
quote above to me certainly sums up what this past year, and in fact, the past
years, have been for the Comox Valley Child Development Association.

In May, with the leadership of our then Executive Director, Joanne Schroeder, we
held our annual Strategic Planning Meeting with the goal to review and update
our current Code of Ethics.

It was a stimulating evening and such a wonderful collaborative between staff

and board members that resulted in a timely revision to our existing Code of

Ethics to clearly identify the new realities, direction and diversity of the Child

Development Association and the children and families we serve while still main-

PAM CROWE taining our traditional core values.

BOARD CHAIR With the announcement of Joanne’s intended retirement, the usual churning of

my stomach started as it was hard to imagine being able to replace such a force.

In the meantime, we surged forwarded with another highly successful Telethon.

As I think I say every year, we are so incredibly lucky to have the ongoing support of our long time community supporters such

as the Rotary Clubs, the Lions, the Pythians, the Legions, Russ and Sharon Nelson and their “Kindling for Kids” and Shoreline

Orthodontist, together with the new relationships we have nurtured and enjoy with our local McDonald’s Restaurants, Crown

Isle and Cobs Bread to mention only a few. And then of course there is the entire army of volunteers, including the amazing

team at Shaw Spotlight lead by Gordon Darby. The talent we have in the Comox Valley continues to amaze and inspire me

and at the end of the night we had once again raised over $100,000.00 thanks to the generosity of this great community.

Once the Telethon was over the search for a new Executive Director was back. Thank you to Diane Daigle, Jean-Marc Jaquier
and Jennifer Lewis for their support and invaluable contribution to making such an important decision for the Association. We
are all so thankful to the applicants that applied. How fortunate the Association is that Cindy Xavier applied for the position!
Cindy started at the Association in January and had anything but an easy start to the position. She grabbed the reins of the
Association and has steadied our course with confidence and enthusiasm at one of the most tumultuous times I can remem-
ber. Thank you Cindy and Welcome Aboard!

A few years ago, well let’s face it, it was in 1985, my husband, David Gibson, who was one of the founders of the Child Devel-
opment Association, announced that after 10 years on the board he thought it time to step down. “I think you should go on
the board” he said....Little did I know then that 40 some years later I would still be on the board having served as the board
chair for some 30 years. What a privilege and honour it has been for me to be a small part of this exceptional Team that has
moved the Association through so much change and through so many doors since its humble start in Cumberland in 1974.

Indeed there were difficult times and difficult decisions that had to be made but always the theme of “what is best for the
children and families we serve” was at the top of mind for administration, staff and board alike. We always were able to work
together as a Team to ensure that what was “best for the children and families we served” was and is our guiding light.

My heartfelt thank you to the board members that have served with me over the years, for their commitment and dedication.
The Association is blessed with the most incredibly talented and caring staff whose passion for their work ensures that every child
has the opportunity to reach their star. I have also had the absolute pleasure to work with 5 amazing Executive Directors, Glenda,
Heather, Lorraine, Joanne and now Cindy. Each has brought with them inspiring leadership skills that were just right for their time.

I am leaving the Board with such great optimism for the Association knowing that the Team will continue to move forward
together through each door. The success of the Association is in good hands. I can only say thank you for allowing me to be a
part of that success and this great Team.

6 COMOX VALLEY CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Comox Valley Child Development Association is a registered non-profit
society. The Association conforms to all requirements of the Societies
Act, BC. As a registered non-profit, agency membership is encouraged
and open to anyone upon payment of a nominal annual fee.

The Board of Directors is elected from the membership for a year. The committee receives names of anyone who might be
two year term of office at the Annual General Meeting held interested in joining the Board. The Nominating Committee
every year at the end of June. The Board is a decision-mak- also recommends directors for the executive office. Directors
ing entity, with jurisdiction over agency planning and policy. may hold executive office for two years or longer. The Board
The Board has fiscal and legal responsibility for the agency. meets monthly in the evening.
It is the goal of the agency to have an active, visionary board
representing a wide variety of interests and knowledge. Daily operational decisions are the responsibility of the Execu-
tive Director, who reports to the Board.
The Nominating Committee is a standing committee of the
Board appointed following the Annual General Meeting each

2019/2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mary Ruth Harris, Director
Samantha Schneider, Director
Pamela Crowe, President Celine Gummer, Director
DonnaLynn Wilson, Vice President Christene Evanochko, Director
Diane Daigle, Secretary Duncan Muller, Director
Jean-Marc Jaquier, Treasurer Nicole Chow, Director
Debbie Deschamps, Director
Arne Einarson, Director
Christine Helpard, Director

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & MEMBERSHIP

The CVCDA holds their general meeting annually in June You must be a CVCDA Member in good standing to vote at
on the third Wednesday. the 2020 AGM. To become a member you must be paid up
no later than Tuesday, July 14, 2020 (six weeks in advance of
Due to COVID-19, this year’s AGM has been postponed AGM). Membership dues of $2.00 and can be paid in person
and will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at at the CVCDA’s main reception.
5:00pm via Zoom. Please email [email protected] to register.

COMOX VALLEY CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT 7

YEAR IN REVIEW

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

“Nothing in the universe ever grew from the outside in”, wise teachings from
Richard Wagamese from his book, Embers, One Ojibway’s Meditations. I realize the
importance of this thought as I reflect on my first few months with the CVCDA.

Moving to BC from Saskatchewan a little more than a year ago to be closer to my
family was an opportunity to start an exciting new journey. Up until six months
ago, I hadn’t even heard of the Comox Valley or been on Vancouver Island more
than a handful of times. Little did I realize, coming across the ad for the Executive
Director position of the CVCDA would change my life in a big way! I fell in love
with this community as I explored the area following my interview.

CINDY XAVIER During the interview, I met some of the CVCDA team including the Chair, Pam
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Crowe and outgoing ED, Joanne Schroeder. What I quickly realized as we spoke
was, I was in the presence of some amazing people who have extraordinary
passion for the work they do with families and children of the Comox Valley. I
was thrilled to have received the offer for the position and to continue this work
helping children grow and thrive in their families and community. This is the
work my own career has revolved around and I am most passionate about.

While I have been learning how the programs of the CVCDA have come about, one important detail has become obvious. This
organization has incredibly strong support from the Comox Valley community and businesses. Having run non-profit, charita-
ble organizations for twenty years, I know first-hand how hard it is to grow an organization on core funding alone. Without
partnerships, support and donations from the local community, it is next to impossible. The newest addition to CVCDA, the
construction of the Comox Valley Autism Centre is a shining example of what happens when people come together to help
an organization realize a dream. It is impressive to see how the CVCDA has been supported by Valley businesses, service clubs
and generous community donors!

Looking back to last year’s outstanding Annual Report, I realize this organization is on a solid upward trajectory. The need for
CVCDA services is growing as is the population of the Comox Valley. More than ever the children and families in this flourishing
community need the support and services we provide so they are able to thrive. The range of programs at the agency are as di-
verse as the Valley’s population and as CVCDA grows we continue putting the needs of the children and families at the forefront.

The past year has been one of huge change for our world. With the impact of COVID, these first few months of leadership with
the CVCDA have put all my skills to the test! I am grateful for the extremely committed staff, who have worked diligently to con-
tinue to provide services as the onset of the pandemic disrupted the way we provide support to families. The CVCDA Board has
given thoughtful guidance and support in a time of uncharted territory for the organization. Our current board has more than
eighty years of collective time commitment to the CVCDA. Their breadth of knowledge and passion for our work is unsurpassed.

As we move into another rewarding year, we will be saying a heartfelt thank you and au revoir to a cherished CVCDA team
member, Board Chair, Pam Crowe. Over the course of her extensive tenure with the organization, Pam has dedicated over for-
ty years of extraordinary service to the CVCDA. With Pam’s governance this agency has become woven into the very fabric of
the community. Her voice at our board table will be deeply missed. In the words of Elvis Stojko, “It takes a lot of patience and
a lot of time to create something worthwhile.” Pam’s legacy will endure as she continues her volunteer work with the CVCDA
Annual Children’s Telethon in the coming years.

With such a long and impressive history to carry on, I am eager to move forward in being a part of enriching the lives of chil-
dren and families through our work at the CVCDA.

8 COMOX VALLEY CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT

ADMINISTRATION & SUPPORT TEAM

From Maintenance to Marketing, our support team here at the CVCDA keeps
things organized and running smoothly. Administration staff assist our
child development professionals in effectively performing their roles.

DONNA BACON MICHELLE ERIKSON BROOKLYN GALLOWAY MATT MACEY
HOUSEKEEPING HUMAN RESOURCES /
PAYROLL ADMINISTRATOR MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MAINTENANCE

SANDI MCDONALD TANNER MCNABB CHARLENE WALLACE-DILLE ROBYN WALSH
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT / DIRECTOR OF FINANCE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
IT COORDINATOR & OPERATIONS

ACCREDITATION

The CVCDA is fully accredited by CARF, to evaluate our service delivery
an accreditation agency with fifty years is something we do all year,
of sup- porting organizations to improve every year.
the quality of their services and meet
internationally recognized standards. Overall our accreditation
process is guided by renew-
The process of accreditation is ongo- ing plans for all aspects of our
ing. Our commitment to maintain and service delivery and business
enhance our policies and procedures and operations on an annual basis.

COMOX VALLEY CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT 9

YEAR IN REVIEW

CVCDA IN THE COMMUNITY

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McKinnon Photography

PROUD COMMUNITY PARTNER

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54 3

LEFT PAGE 5) Speech-Language Assistant, Jenn Legarie with young participant of a
Drum Making Workshop hosted by the Aboriginal Speech-Language Pathol-
1) Representatives from the CVCDA participate in the Comox Valley Early ogy program.
Years Collaborative, a network of individuals and organizations committed
to improving the life chances of the children of the Comox Valley. The group RIGHT PAGE
also received the 2019 Community Builder, Local Hero Award.
1) CVCDA team members show off their tie-dye creations completed during
2) CVCDA teams up with PacificCARE to present Dr. Martin Brokenleg, our annual Staff Planning Day.
“Building Strength in the Early Years” to speak in the Comox Valley to a sold
out audience at the Stan Hagen Theatre. 2) Staff of our Supported Child Development and Infant Development
programs provided FUN activities for participants of HOP in the Park. The five
3) Project Inclusion representing the CVCDA and the Comox Valley with their week program was a collaboration with Comox Valley Family Services Assn.,
creative snowman entry in SHAW Spotlight's #BuildFrosty2020 campaign. Today 'N' Tomorrow Learning Society, Comox Valley Lifelong Learning Centre
and Public Health.
4) CVCDA hosts a fundraiser bringing Michael McCreary, AspieComic for a
sold out performance of “Does This Make My Asperger’s Look Big?” at the 3) Our Friendship Project and Project Inclusion programs teamed up to host
Stan Hagen Theatre. the 2nd Annual Mission: Inclusion Conference at the Westerly Hotel. The

10 COMOX VALLEY CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT

1 2

MISSION: INCLUSIONPROJECT INCLUSION & FRIENDSHIP PROJECT PRESENT 3
4
CONFERENCE

AGENDA: THURSDAY DECEMBER 12, 2019 | 9AM - 3PM

9:00 AM Ice Breaker Introduction
9:30 AM
9:45 AM Welcoming from the K’omox First Nations
10:15 AM
10:45 AM Job Preparedness Presentation - VI Community Connections
11:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Self Advocate Presentation - Internet Safety
7 12:30 PM
Self Advocate Presentation - Dealing with Anxiety
1:45 PM
2:00 PM Lunch Break 5
2:20 PM African Drumming Session
2:30 PM Self Advocate Presentation - Mak’s Story

Self Advocate Presentation - Budgeting

‘I Belong’ Presentation - L’arche

Raffle Draw & Closing Remarks

Made possible through funding from:

CVCDA.CA

6 5

free day of workshops explored job preparedness, internet safety, African hand
drumming and many personal success stories.

4) Participants of our Friendship Project enter a team in L'Arche's annual fund-
raising bowl-a-thon, Bowl! Baby! Bowl!.

5) Our SCDP teamed up with Cumberland Community School Wood Shop
teacher, Dave Munro and Project Inclusion to build and paint box chairs. The
supported seating is now used internally and also loaned out to various local
early learning centres in need of this specialized equipment.

6) Project Inclusion participants head out in support of the annual McHappy
Day, locally raising funds for the CVCDA.

7) Team members get into the spirit for the annual Jumpstart Preschool
Christmas potluck party.

COMOX VALLEY CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT 11

YEAR IN REVIEW

OUR BIGGEST SUPPORTERS

1
2

4

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LEFT PAGE DELUXE Raffle Basket packed full with over $2,900 goods and services gen-
erously donated by local businesses from throughout the Comox Valley.
1) Joanne Schroeder receives $5,000 donation from Cobs Bread Owners,
Charlotte and Dean Seal following their Community Day fundraiser. 3) Pam Crowe and Brooklyn Galloway receive $5,000 donation from Mayor’s
Cup Charity Golf Classic team.
2) MLA, Ronna-Rae Leonard (right) attending press event launching
$500,000 of provincial funding for CVCDA’s Pathways To Healing Program. 4) The Georgia Strait Big Band performs seasonal concert, ‘Swinging in to
Christmas’ in support of CVCDA and other charities.
3) Joanne Schroeder with members of the Blue Devil Swim Club following
their fundraising swim-a-thon, with proceeds of $1,000 donated to CVCDA. 5) Joanne Schroeder with Comox Valley Dodge team as they present dona-
tion of $3,250 following their ‘Drive for 75’ sales event.
4) Baynes Sound Lions Club complete their 43rd Annual Walk for the Chil-
dren, a 30 km wheelbarrow walk down the Old Island Highway collecting 6) Pam Crowe receives donation from 'Kindling for Kids’ Sharon Nelson (cen-
funds for the CVCDA. ter) with matched contribution from Nelson Roofing’s Tatyana Smith (right).

5) Baynes Sound Lions’ members present donation to Board Director, Celine 7) Board Director, Diane Daigle (frt. left) volunteers at local McDonald’s
Gummer. Restaurant during annual McHappy Day event raising funds for the CVCDA.

RIGHT PAGE 8) Gig poster for charity concert hosted by the 1st Tuesday Fundraiser featur-
ing Fuzz & Friends playing at The Mex Pub.
1) Pam Crowe receives donation of $3,577 from Crown Isle Resort following their
fundraising event, Classic Cars on the Green. 9) Communication’s lead, Brooklyn Galloway volunteers at book launch
event of local children’s author, Deanna Graham (right). Also a fundraiser for
2) Deb Etherington (right) of 5th Street Florist prepares annual CVCDA the CVCDA!

12 COMOX VALLEY CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT

#SupporttheCVCDA

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COMOX VALLEY CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT 13

YEAR IN REVIEW

2019 CVCDA CHILDREN’S TELETHON

This year was our 44rth Annual Children’s Telethon, where we All proceeds from the Telethon stay right here in the Comox
raised a total of $95,924. The event took place on November Valley to support children, youth and adults with diverse
3, 2019 from 12pm to 8pm at the Sid Williams Theatre in abilities and their families. The Comox Valley Child Develop-
Courtenay. Our 45th Annual Telethon is scheduled to take ment Association supported over one thousand children last
place on Sunday, November 1, 2020. year, through its thirteen different programs. Funds from the
Telethon are needed by the organization to sustain all of its
The Telethon is a FREE event for the whole family to come programming.
down and enjoy all of the entertainment and activities, while
also being part of the wonderful fundraising spirit here in the Find out the many ways to participate in our Telethon at
Comox Valley. CVCDA.CA.

Above photo: Crystal of Crystal Clear Photography has donated her time and skill by photographing our selected families for
our annual Telethon event poster for the last five years. See her work at: www.crystalclearphotography.ca

14 COMOX VALLEY CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT

#CVCDATelethon

Photo Credit: Don Tait

Photo Credit: Don Tait Photo Credit: Bill Turnbull
Photo Credit: Bill Turnbull
Photo Credit: Don Tait Photo Credit: Bill Turnbull Photo Credit: Laura Tait
Photo Credit: Laura Tait

Photo Credit: Don Tait Photo Credit: Tony Brett

COMOX VALLEY CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT 15

YEAR IN REVIEW

CVCDA SAYS FAREWELL

In January 2020, the CVCDA said high profile accomplishment was of time in this role has allowed me to be
farewell to our Executive Director of the course steering the CVCDA through to part of a thriving and generous communi-
last 6 years. Joanne Schroeder origi- the successful construction and excit- ty of children, families, staff and volun-
nally took over the role from past ED, ing opening of our new Comox Valley teers. It has been a wonderful experience.
Lorraine Aitken in June 2014. She has Autism Centre. It was, as Joanne would I am particularly proud of the completion
since led the organization through many say, a huge team effort. But we know, of the new Comox Valley Autism Centre,
exciting initiatives and projects. Joanne every Team requires a leader and certainly and the expansion and introduction of
will be leaving the CVCDA to get a start Joanne was that! several programs. The CVCDA has always
on her retirement. played a leadership role in the communi-
Joanne represented the CVCDA on many ty and I have appreciated the chance to
Pam Crowe, Board Chair wrote on behalf high profile committees in the Valley. This continue this tradition through my par-
of the Board: “Joanne had big shoes to is surely reflected today when we look at ticipation in the Early Years Collaborative,
fill when she started as our Executive Di- the many organizations we see here now. the Local Action team, the Local Hero ini-
rector. However, she stepped into the po- Her collaborative approach and genuine tiative, and the Social Planning Commit-
sition with determination and enthusiasm care for children and families has ensured tee. It is through these partnerships that
and succeeded in every way. She masterly continued solid relationships with all our we most effectively leverage meaningful
guided the CVCDA through two success- business and community partners, and action for our children and families.”
ful CARF accreditations, resulting in the our provincial and federal representatives.
CVCDA continuing to receive the highest In announcing her retirement in 2019,
accreditation of three years in each case. Pam continued by adding, “As a Board, Joanne made it her personal mission
Not that that result was ever in doubt in we will miss her. We will miss our meet- to oversee the selection process of her
our minds. Joanne’s strong leadership and ings together at various places during successor and to ensure a smooth tran-
knowledge at our monthly board meet- Telethon time, our visits to our many sition. She felt it imperative to find just
ings has been so much appreciated by all wonderful service clubs, especially at the right fit for such a meaningful orga-
of the board members. She is organized telethon time, and just generally working nization to her and so many. CVCDA’s
and always so well prepared to answer with her on a day to day basis – it has new Executive Director, Cindy Xavier was
any question. Especially, when it comes to indeed been a privilege.” selected just before Christmas and also
interpreting acronyms. joined the team in January.
“It is bittersweet for me to be leaving the
Joanne’s most recent and perhaps most CVCDA”, said Joanne Schroeder. “My

Pictured above right are our past and present leaders of the CVCDA, L-R: Lorraine Aitken (past Executive Director), Joanne Schroeder (outgoing Executive
Director), Cindy Xavier (new Executive Director), and Pam Crowe (President of the CVCDA Board of Directors)

16 COMOX VALLEY CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT

31

COMOX VALLEY CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT 17

CVCDA PROGRAMS

FAMILY ADVOCATE

We are into our 4th year of having a family advocate at This past year I was able
the Child Development Association. I continue to love to take part in a two day
what I do each and everyday. Each day I arrive at my desk training for SibShops. Sarah
to a stack of referrals and a list of voicemails and emails Shelin, CYSN Family Support
to respond to. Worker and I have been run-
This never gets old to me-I love packing up my bag and ning sibling support groups
heading into the community to connect with families and for the past couple of years.
children. I am a travelling road show and can meet care- We felt it was a step in the
givers wherever they are most comfortable-homes, of- right direction to become
fices, coffee shops, playgrounds...my goal is to make the a part of the SibShop net-
intake process as easy and stress free as possible. work. This has allowed us to
connect to other facilitators
This year seemed busier for referrals and other community offices whenever I can. as well as gain access to
orientation meetings. I average about Sometimes it helps caregivers to engage resources and materials cre-
8 intake meetings a week, travelling in services if they have already met me ated specifically for SibShop
from Oyster river down to deep bay and in a more social setting. Having a face to workshops. We have decided
everywhere in between. a name always helps people feel more to change the look of our
comfortable when I speak with them and groups a little bit to be more
When I am not meeting with individual I never want people to feel nervous or in line to how Sibshops run
families you can often find me visiting anxious about meeting with me. their meetings. We have
community partner events and put a poll out to families
connecting with other service providers. I could go on and on talking about my to gather some information
When I return to my office the voicemail job, my coworkers and the families we about what works best for
light on my phone is always flashing and serve. I truly love what I do and look their schedules as well. We
I can guarantee that my email inbox has forward to meeting new families and look forward to connect-
filled up again! their children each week. If I’m not in ing with some old and new
my office you can find me on the road, siblings in the upcoming year
This year I have started using a new title, out visiting a new community group or and helping to build some
“Google for all things related to children drinking my 10th cup of coffee at a new connections.
in the Comox Valley”! I think I have family’s kitchen table! For more information visit:
earned it. I try my best to keep myself www.siblingsupport.org
informed on new groups, services, and
resources in the valley and make sure
to introduce myself and our agency
whenever I can.

We are lucky enough to have so many BETH FRASER,
resources available to families in this FAMILY ADVOCATE
community, sometimes it takes a bit of
work to figure out exactly where I can
refer families. I am happy to do that
research and make sure to carve out
some time in my week to do the leg
work in figuring out the details.

I do my best to drop into play groups and

COMOX VALLEY CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT 19

CVCDA PROGRAMS

INFANT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

The Infant Development Program for children with Down Syndrome. The group which is for children with Down
(IDP) is a home-based program which Infant Massage group was co-facilitat- Syndrome and their caregivers.
works with caregivers providing ed by Chelsey Newton and Beth Fraser,
services to children between the ages CVCDA Family Advocate. Chelsey also My name is Jennifer McInnes and I have
of birth to three years of age who are been an Infant Development Consul-
considered at risk for developmental facilitates the IDP Playgroup for chil- tant at the CVCDA since 2013. The
delays, or children who are already dren and their caregivers. This weekly following is a highlight of the past year
experiencing a delay in their group provides an opportunity for for me. One of the roles of an Infant
development. Our fami- children to learn through play and Development Consultant is connecting
ly-centred program works in to support caregivers in connecting families to other services that enrich
partnership with the child’s with other families and community their child’s development. I currently
caregivers; this may include resources. Jen facilitates our newest provide service to 4 children with a
birth parents, grandparents, Down Syndrome diagnosis on my case-
and foster parents. We support THE TEAM
infant and toddlers through the load. When looking at some
early developmental stages by ways I could offer support
collaborating with caregivers to to these families, I could not
plan activities. Consultants utilize help but notice the gap in
screening tools such as the Ages social supports. A common
and Stages Questionnaire to monitor theme kept arising with each
a child’s development and to provide family and that was, they
referrals to other professional services wanted more connections
if needed. Participation in the pro- with other families who had a
gram is voluntary and there are no child with Down Syndrome. I
fees for services. work closely with one parent,
Natasha Newton. She found
Our Infant Development Consultants her passion was not only rais-
are trained professionals who plan ing her daughter with Down Syndrome
activities to best meet the needs of but also was reaching out and connect-
the children and their caregivers. ing with other families on Vancouver
Our consultants have a wide variety Island and beyond so she could ask
of training which includes; trauma questions, find available resources and
informed practice, cultural safety, programming for her daughter. She also
Touchpoints, and Infant Massage. This wanted to share her own experiences
year Jen and Chelsey also participat-
ed in a breastfeeding course helping
them to provide accurate information
and supports to parents through their
breastfeeding journey. The training
provided knowledge including not
only the anatomy and physiology
involved in lactation and latching but
also relational practice, trauma-in-
formed care and cultural sensitivity in
relation to breastfeeding issues.

This year the Infant Development Pro- DIXIE HUNT-SCOTT, PROGRAM MANAGER CHELSEY NEWTON
gram provided some groups for chil- & INFANT DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT INFANT DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT
dren and their caregivers; Infant Mas-
sage, IDP Playgroup, and a playgroup

20 COMOX VALLEY CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT

with families that have children younger hand the reigns to Natasha. This group
than her daughter to help them navi- has been a wonderful way for me to
gate the system she was still learning stay intricately connected to the families
herself. Natasha has been involved in and to be able to offer guest speakers
creating and registering the Vancouver and supports within the group. For
Island Down Syndrome Society (VIDSS) example, inviting Occupational Thera-
as a local nonprofit society. py to come speak to the group about
feeding or self-regulation or for Physical
“Down syndrome is a naturally occur- Therapy to come speak to the group
ring chromosomal arrangement that about low tone and gross motor de-
has always been a part of the human velopment. Some of the other valuable
condition. The sole characteristic shared exchanges I have been witness to is the
by all people with Down syndrome is the families discussing funding for services,
presence of extra genetic material asso- medical appointments and what to ask
ciated with the 21st chromosome. This when they have specialist appointments
happens because of an error during cell for their children and exchanges and
division when the egg and sperm first questions, we have in the group such as,
meet. The effects of that extra genetic “when will my child start talking?”.
material vary greatly from individual to
individual.” Source: The Canadian Down Recently during playgroup, we had our
Syndrome Society. special friend Noella join us to meet the
babies. Noella attends CVCDA’s Project
In January of this year I completed a Noella (left) and Sophia (right) at a Inclusion and she is an adult living with
proposal to run a playgroup for children VIDSS family event.. Down Syndrome. Noella came in and
with Down Syndrome. The idea of the was in awe with how, as she describes,
playgroup was to connect the 4 children tion with families they may be working “the babies look just like me.” Noella
who were actively on IDP caseload and with who also have children with Down and Natasha’s daughter, Sophia have
to eventually open it up to other families Syndrome. In the proposal phase, I made a particularly special connection.
with children with Down Syndrome both envisioned staying involved temporarily As soon as Sophia met Noella she did
in our local community and Vancouver while the playgroup grew roots and be- not want to leave her side. They were
Island wide. I managed to reach out to came established and then, eventually, brought together again during a family
other Infant Development Programs on event day hosted by VIDSS, where So-
Vancouver Island to share the invita- phia stuck like glue to Noella Pictured
here). After being witness to this Na-
tasha has asked if Noella will help with
some ‘in-house’ babysitting so she can
get some house cleaning done!

JENNIFER MCINNES MAVIS AUBICHON Our plan is to have Noella join our
INFANT DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT INFANT DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT group again to discuss what life is like
for her, as well as her job and social
groups she is involved with. This expe-
rience is a true example of our family
centered services at the CVCDA coming
full circle, from birth to adulthood.

COMOX VALLEY CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT 21

CVCDA PROGRAMS

EARLY INTERVENTION THERAPY

The Early Intervention Therapy (EIT) be safer in their play. Using specialized tings and community environments. This
Program provides community-based and equipment and developing environmen- may include learning how to sit, crawl,
home-based services to families and tal modifications may also be used to stand, walk and run, ride a bike, control a
their children who are between birth improve participation motorized wheel chair, throw and kick a
and school entry. Our intervention is a ball, and use outdoor play equipment.
strengths based approach where we cele- Our Physical Therapist provides services
brate the strengths and skills the child and that focus on the identification and Our Speech Language Pathologists
family bring to the relationship and look promotion of optimal movement devel- provide services that help children com-
to the next steps. We incorporate those opment. Her goal is to help children move municate successfully with others. This
strengths and skills into the therapeutic in- their bodies how and when they want, includes supporting speech development
teractions and continue to build on those to the best of their abilities. She helps (how children say words), language
skills to facilitate ongoing development. children develop skills so that they can development (understanding and using
We believe that parents and families play function as independently as possible and words) and social communication (how
a primary role in their child’s development participate actively in home, child care set- and why we communicate such as
and are the experts of their children. greetings, asking questions, responding
to questions or comments, interacting
The EIT Program consists of a team of and playing with peers) and may include
therapists and therapy assistants. This the use of augmentative communication
includes Occupational Therapy (OT), strategies such as verbal output devices,
Physical Therapy (PT), Speech Language sign language or picture exchange pro-
Pathology (SLP), Speech Language Assis- grams. The speech language pathologist
tant (SLA) and Therapy Assistant (TA). also supports children who stutter and
support a child’s eating, as this involves
Our Occupational Therapists provide many muscles of the mouth.
services that help families and caregivers
develop the child’s highest attainable lev- Our Therapy Assistant and Speech Lan-
el of participation in daily activities. They guage Assistant perform many compo-
strive to help children participate, to the nents of therapy procedures and provide
best of their abilities, in the ‘occupations’ therapy to individual children or groups
of a child’s world. This would include col- of children and their families. They have
oring and doing craft activities, dressing, specific training in the field of child devel-
eating a meal with the family, playing opment, speech and language develop-
with friends in the playground and in the ment and therapy techniques.
mud or rice bin. It may include teaching
families and children some strategies in The number of families we are provid-
regulation so that they can have more ing services for has increased this year.
successful interactions with others or Currently we have 241 families receiving

ENTER COVID-19

Well, the year sure ended on a different note. Due to the pandemic, we
have been scrambling to figure out how we can provide services to our
families while still practicing social distancing. I am so proud of our team
and to all the other teams in this agency. Zoom and Skype have become
our best friend. I am not tech savvy and even I am learning how to do this.
To keep our spirits up, we have even gotten a little creative during our zoom
meetings. We all hope this ends soon though. It is a stressful time for
many of our families and we miss seeing them and the children in person.

22 COMOX VALLEY CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT

services in the EIT Program, 67 of which SLP, was a trainer and I was considered questions require many doctor’s appoint-
receive multiple services. These numbers the ‘Q’ (qualified specialist) and completed ments, closing up shop to travel to doc-
have continued to be particularly difficult screenings and pre/post assessments. It tor’s appointments (which results in loss of
for the Occupational Therapy depart- was a lot more work than any of us were pay) and extra effort to pack everyone up
ment as they have not been at their full expecting but we were all glad we partici- to travel 3 or more hours for a 15-minute
compliment due to difficulty recruiting pated as so much was learned. It has come appointment. This is frustrating, exhaust-
for 2 maternity leaves. Nikki Holekamp to an end for us and results from the study ing and stressful for the family.
went on maternity leave in June and had should be available this coming July.
a lovely little girl. Finally, in September, The team around this child and family in-
we welcomed Brendan McCann, OT, To end on a fun fact, Carlin Lindsay was cludes the infant development program,
and between him and Carlin they have married over the summer and is now occupational therapy, physical therapy,
been able to provide more support to Carlin Christensen. And guess what? speech language pathology, speech and
more families, much to Carlin’s relief (and She’s pregnant! We are all very excited language assistant, therapy assistant and
families I am sure). for her! And we have successfully recruit- supported child development. Therapy
ed for her position! happens in the home. Conference calls
Our long time physical therapist Dianne with specialists happen in the home with
Aikman, has decided to retire at the CVCDA VALUES IN PRACTICE the team around the family. Developing
end of March. We will miss her greatly the Individual Service Plan happens in the
but wish her all the best. We have been Some of our families have many dances home and after hours so the family does
successful in finding her replacement and they are trying to dance while trying to not have to close up shop.
are excited to welcome Melanie Desaul- do what’s best for their children. One
niers-Rioux to our team. such family we support has a little one With an amazing amount of determi-
(‘Pat’) who is working very hard to devel- nation, this family has lead the way
We have continued to be busy with the op physical skills, communication skills, through a maze of services. Some of their
UBC Parent and Child Early Coaching play skills and attention/sensory skills. The questions are being answered and Pat
Research Project. This Project was aimed determination, energy and shear joy Pat is starting to sleep more and everyone is
at parents of toddlers age 15-36 months brings to every interaction makes every starting to see skills develop a little more
with social and communication delays that session both exciting and exhausting. quickly. The family has stated many times
put them at risk for autism. Our therapy how supported they feel by this agency,
assistant Oshrat Zemel and Carlin Chris- There are many questions the family has. and despite all the dances, are optimistic
tensen (Lindsay), OT, were coaches to 2 Why won’t Pat sleep? Why is Pat plug- and keep on smiling. And so does Pat.
families for this project. Mary McKenna, ging along slower than expected? Is Pat
hearing, seeing, breathing well? All these

THE TEAM MISSING PHOTO: KYLEE ABRAHAMSON, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

JENNIFER LEWIS MARY MCKENNA TARA MOOSE OSHRAT ZEMEL
PROGRAM COORDINATOR & SLP SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST SPEECH LANGUAGE ASSISTANT THERAPY ASSISTANT

NIKKI HOLEKAMP DIANNE AIKMAN CARLIN CHRISTENSEN BRENDAN MCCANN
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST PHYSICAL THERAPIST OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

COMOX VALLEY CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT 23

CVCDA PROGRAMS

RE-CREATING THE VILLAGE: ABORIGINAL INFANT
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
An Aboriginal approach to family
healing and community building.

“Re-Creating the Village Camp”, held This year the CVCDA welcomed a new born, we are born hardwired to attach to
for the third year, was designed to program to the agency; the Aboriginal another human being? Maybe you didn’t
build community and capacity amongst Infant Development Program (AIDP). know we are also prewired to wait 30-60
Aboriginal families, to provide a cultur- seconds to have our need met, and if they
ally safe space, and provide opportuni- In May 2019, I was hired as the new AIDP are met most of the time, this window
ties for cultural activities for children consultant. In this position I have been grows as we grow! With this in mind, we
and their families. This year, the camp able to draw on my experiential cultural can guide families in this knowledge and
was expanded to include an additional background and current academic journey hope to see calmer states of being, setting
five families. in Early Childhood Education. As an AIDP a new foundation for development.
Consultant, I began to create a culturally
At Camp Elkhaven on Denman Island, relevant and safe connection with Indig- On November 1st 2019, the 2nd Annual
families participated in Circle of Security enous families in the Comox Valley. This Baby Honouring Celebration, which is a
Parenting sessions, traditional Aborig- program provides space to allow parents project of the Council for Indigenous Early
inal games and crafts. During the fall, and caregivers time to explore their fami- Childhood Development (CIECD), was held
families gathered at Wachiay Friendship ly's needs, discover their children’s abilities, at the Florence Filberg Centre. This project
Centre for monthly evening sessions and together navigate a supportive healthy was coordinated by our program with sup-
providing an opportunity for parents to journey. Currently, my part-time program port from the Family Navigator for Upper
continue to practice Circle of Security carries 22 children, with each accessing as Island Women of Native Ancestry.
Parenting, share a meal, take part in needed, the on site early interventions that
cultural activities and continue to build the CVCDA also provides such as Aborig- The CIECD began this event to celebrate
community together with their children. inal Speech and Language, Aboriginal the birth of Indigenous babies in the
Supported Child Development, physiother- Comox Valley. This year, nine babies and
Re-Creating the Village is a program for apy and occupational services and MCFD’s their families were honoured with some
families involved with Child and Youth Child and Youth Mental Health. Indigenous Elders from our community.
Mental Health or Aboriginal Infant
Development Program. This project In this position, I have also enhanced my This event was a collaborative project
provides an opportunity for caregivers skills and knowledge with professional with support for entertainment through
to experience extended time with development in Motivational Interviewing School District 71 and the Jigging Dance
their children in a culturally safe space, and Touchpoints training. I am also now Group of Queneesh Elementary School
surrounded by support staff – both trained to facilitate Circle of Security Par- and lunch by Isfeld High School’s Culinary
professional and community based. enting and Infant Massage. At the heart of Club. It was a dancing delight! Additional
both these programs is promoting healthy support came from 22 generous business'
secure attachments between parents and that were personally thanked for their in-
child. Did you know that when we are kind donations towards the event.

THE TEAM

This community program includes DIXIE HUNT-SCOTT, PROGRAM MANAGER & MAVIS AUBICHON
service providers from several differ- INFANT DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT INFANT DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT
ent agencies; Child and Youth Mental
Health Clinicians (MCFD), Infant
Development Consultant for Ab-
original Families (CVCDA), Aboriginal
Speech-Language Pathologist (UIWO-
NA), and FASD Key Worker (Wachiay
Friendship Centre). Other involvement
includes Aboriginal Elders, Culture
Keepers, and Cooks.

24 COMOX VALLEY CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT

ABORIGINAL SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY

As an Aboriginal Speech to recruit an SLP for August 2019, our program hosted group
Language Pathologist this program. speech sessions twice a week to 3 children
(ASLP) and an Aboriginal who were preparing to go to kindergar-
Speech Language Assis- On a brighter note, ten. This group took place outside and
tant (ASLA), our focus is to Jenn has been included indigenous stories, crafts and
provide early speech and folded into with the teachings from elders and culture keepers
language intervention to other EIT programs
children birth to 7. Building for meetings and We also attended 2 week long camps for
relationships, celebrating on going online families called
the strengths of a child and educational oppor- “Re-Creating
their family and building tunities. It has been the Village”.
on where the child and wonderful being able to regularly connect Each support
family are at, are the foundation of this with the whole CVCDA therapy team. person and
intervention. With the family, we create parent was
individualized programs based on what In July 2019, five of our families attended trained in the
the families identify as their priorities. We a drum making workshop hosted by our Circle of Se-
combine speech and language therapy program and instructed by Paula Selby curity model
with cultural elements such as drumming, and Leanne Parsons; they provided infor- before the
singing and using culturally relevant mation on the drum and many families camp. Adults
teaching materials and games. showed interest in participating in a drum in the camp
awakening ceremony and a workshop to felt support-
As usual, the number of families wanting make strikers for the drums. ed in their
speech and language services increases
until September when many head off to THE TEAM parenting, learned traditional knowledge
school where their services continue if and history, crafts, and stories.
needed. In any given month, there was
an average of 67 families receiving or We also had the opportunity to make
requesting services. a drum and do a drum awakening
ceremony with Liz Brown at the end of
Our team were able to take the Touchp recreating the village. At the end of the
oints training this year. This is an ev- school year, we participated in the Head
idence-based approach for building Start preschool graduation at the big
strong family-child relationships from house and helped to guide the children
birth through the early years. It lays the in their paddle dance.
foundation for children’s early learning
and health development and supports us
in forming strength-based partnerships
with families.

There have been some changes in the JANICE FORSEY JENNIFER LEGARIE
program this year. Janice has taken a SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST SPEECH LANGUAGE ASSISTANT
leave for a year, which started in January
2020. We unfortunately have not been
able to find a replacement. Some support
has been provided by our EIT Program
Coordinator, Jennifer Lewis, SLP, but many
families are still waiting. Jenn Legarie has
been amazing, continuing with programs
that Janice set up before leaving and
reaching out when additional input is
needed. On going efforts are being made

COMOX VALLEY CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT 25

CVCDA PROGRAMS

ABORIGINAL SUPPORTED CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Angie DeJersey is our Sup- Start (CVAHS) growing caseload, while consulting to
ported Child Development and Clever Ra- multiple centres. With the opening of
(SCD) Consultant for Ab- ven to bring the Clever Raven, Angie will be looking at
original Children and Families program to their dedicating time to consult with and visit
and is also part of the SCD families. that centre as well.
team. The Aboriginal Sup-
ported Child Development Angie has ANGIE DEJERSEY, SCD CONSULTANT
Program (ASCDP) provides worked with FOR ABORIGINAL CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
SCD services, helping chil- several families
dren successfully participate helping them to
in the child care setting of access funding
their family’s choice, while through Jor-
ensuring cultural safety and dan’s Principle.
cultural sensitivity for First She has spent
Nations, Metis, and Inuit increased time
children and their families. at CVAHS this
Over this past year SCD year which has
has provided services to 45 been successful
Aboriginal children and their in strengthening
families and Angie has car- her relationships
ried a caseload of 30-40 with staff, elders
children. and families.
This past year
saw the open-
ing of a new
Aboriginal Head
Start program -
Clever Raven in our community.

Challenges for the ASCD Program this
year have been managing a large and

Angie attends the Council for Indige- THE TEAM
nous Early Child Development and this
year participated in the subcommittee KATHY CRUICKSHANK
for the Baby Honouring Ceremony. PROGRAM MANAGER
She also regularly attends the CVCDA
Agency Aboriginal Services meeting.
Angie brings a cultural lens to our SCD
program team meetings and adapts
and gathers resources, forms and
procedures so they are more culturally
sensitive. After taking the facilitators
training for Touchpoints Parenting,
Angie plans to bring a cultural lens to
the parenting series and will also work
with Comox Valley Aboriginal Head

26 COMOX VALLEY CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT

EARLY YEARS COMMUNITY OUTREACH

The Early Years Program is ValleyChild.ca launched a new mobile Ups. This program rotates
designed to make services friendly website with a fresh look in among several local parks. It
available to all families with September 2019. In the first seven is open to all families includ-
children under 6 in the Comox months we had over 5000 unique ing visitors to the area. A va-
Valley. We have three primary visitors and over 10,000 page views. riety of equipment is brought
components: to the park including a water
ers program for ages 7-14-months. and sand tables, bubbles,
Valley Child is an online plat- Sandra is also part of the Valley Families art natural material art with
form providing information on partnership and works to program and shells, driftwood, balls, etc.
local programs and services deliver Valley Families activities.
for young children. The Valley This unstructured program
Child website, Facebook and One of the highlights of the Early Years allows the families/children
Instagram pages have become Program was the Valley Child Summer Pop to experience all the activ-
the “go to” source for young ities at their own pace. In
families in the Comox Valley; the summer of 2019, over
our Enhancement program 1,200 children attended
which provides outreach drop the program over a 6-week
in programming in every cor- period. One mom expressed
ner of the Valley; and support great appreciation for the
to the Comox Valley Early program. Her kids were able to enjoy
Years Collaborative which brings together “messy” activities such as painting
many service providers to improve the they weren’t able to do at home,
integration of early years programs. There while she enjoyed the company of
are presently 35 members of the Collab- other adults in the outdoors. This mom
orative. also stated the program helped keep her
sanity during summer when most other
Our intention for Early Years (EY) program- programs are closed.
ming is to have it available to all young
families of the Comox Valley. In particular, Many families attended multiple pop up
we aim to reach those families who may sessions in each of the communities stat-
have challenges accessing information ing the activities offered were ones their
and resources. Our EY program aims to children never tired of and their children
connect with families in a preventative continually asked to go to “Pop Up".
way – supporting them prior to potential
issues emerging for their children.

Our Valley Child Family Navigator, Cheryl THE TEAM
has the responsibility of managing the
Valley Child website and social media ac-
counts; Facebook and Instagram. She also
coordinates the activities of the Early Years
collaborative and works in partnership to
facilitate and enhance the Comox Valley
Lifelong Learning Centre Valley Families
program, which delivers free activities to
families in the valley.

Our Early Years Development Consultant, SANDRA ALLEN CHERYL JORDAN
Sandra facilitates Pop-Up child-devel- CHILD DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT VALLEYCHILD COORDINATOR
opment programming throughout the
community. She also partners with the City
of Courtenay in leading the Little Cruis-

COMOX VALLEY CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT 27

CVCDA PROGRAMS

SUPPORTED CHILD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Supported Child Development (SCD) is a Provincial program list for funding support. Limited support
that facilitates successful inclusion in early learning programs funding, limited available child care spaces
and limited numbers of skilled, experi-

(preschools, group childcare, family childcare and after school enced, qualified child care staff along
care) for children with extra support needs by supporting chil- with a continuing increase in numbers of
dren, families and early learning centre staff. At the heart of children with challenging behaviour and/
or a background of trauma made for a

the SCD Program are the philosophies of “inclusion” and “family challenging year for SCD and for the Early
centred practice”. Learning Centres in our community.

With these challenges in mind, the SCD

We serve children from birth to 12 with ate we provide funding to early learning team has been working on a vision for

developmental delays or disabilities in their programs to hire extra staff to facilitate the making a shift in the way we deliver

physical, cognitive, communicative or social child’s successful participation in all parts of services. We are hoping to support Early

emotional and behavioural development. the program. Learning Centres to increase their capacity

We may complete general developmental We served over 200 children throughout by using more of a centre-based mento-
assessments and reports, we assist families, the fiscal year and SCD consultants main- ring/coaching model. We are currently
when necessary to find an early learning tain caseloads of 25-50 children. We have researching models in other jurisdictions,
centre that meets their needs, we pro- provided extra staffing funds to centres for seeking out tools and resources and de-
vide kindergarten transition support and 131 children over the past fiscal year. As in veloping a plan for how this might look in
planning and we make referrals to other past years, when children were referred to our community. Stay tuned!

services. We support early childhood pro- SCD we were able to provide consultant This past year there have been provincial

grams by providing resources, strategies, support very quickly. However, this year, for initiatives with a focus on universal child

suggestions and training. When appropri- the first time, we carried a significant wait care and inclusion which has our SCD

28 COMOX VALLEY CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT

team and the Early Learning community • Angie and Kim have provided “Support- closely with the new centre, who were
excited and hopeful. With a renewed ive Conversations” training open to having him attend. The new
focus on positive changes in child care, a centre implemented the suggestions
shift in the way SCD delivers service and When COVID became a reality near the end and strategies offered by our consultant,
provides funding seems timely. of this fiscal year the SCD team continued but were cautious. Despite strategies to
to provide service and support to families support Larry, his behaviour continued to
The SCD team has continued to take and Early Learning Centres virtually. We escalate and he was eventually asked to
advantage of professional development problem solved, shared ideas and connect- leave this centre too.
opportunities throughout the year and has ed as a team over weekly ZOOM meetings.
facilitated many parenting programs and During this time, our SCD consultant
trainings for child care centre staff. CVCDA VALUES IN PRACTICE was able to complete a developmental
assessment and write a report. Larry con-
Some highlights include: Larry is a child who was involved with tinued with SLP and OT services and was
multiple services (SLP, SCD, OT). He also seeing a pediatrician who prescribed
• “Touchpoints” – all SCD consultants became involved with SCD because he medication. With the support and encour-
have taken the Touchpoints training. needed extra support in his early learning agement of our SCD Consultant, who
Angie and Alesha went to Boston to be centre. The primary concern at the time had developed a strong relationship with
trained to facilitate the “Touchpoints was his lack of language. her, mom eventually agreed to a referral
Parenting Program” to VICAN for an autism assessment. Mom
Larry began to exhibit aggressive be- decided to forgo the wait and pay for a
• “Circle of Security” – continues to be haviours towards staff and other children. private assessment. Larry was diagnosed
offered by Kathy and Lindsay to parents Multiple incident reports were filed with with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
and to child care centre staff. licensing (as per regulation) and the staff’s
concern was increasing. Our SCD consul- Larry now receives specialized services at
• Dr. Martin Brokenleg: Building tant provided support and strategies and Footholds, a program for children with
Strengths-Early Childhood was a well assisted in developing a Careplan. Even- Autism.
attended, well received presentation tually, the centre did ask that Larry leave
hosted by SCD in partnership with the centre as they did not feel they could Our SCD Consultant had a phone conver-
PacificCare meet his needs. sation with mom a few months later and
mom thanked SCDP for all the work that
• Laura, Lindsay and Kim have provided Our SCD Consultant worked with Larry’s
the “Partnerships: Positive Approaches mom to find another centre for Larry had been done to support
to Behaviour” to attend. Then, our consultant worked Larry and herself over the
past year. She acknowledged
THE TEAM how stressful it was for ev-
eryone at the time. Now that
KATHY CRUICKSHANK ANGIE DEJERSEY, SCD CONSULTANT MARIKA GOULD, she is on the other side of it
PROGRAM MANAGER FOR ABORIGINAL CHILDREN AND FAMILIES SCD CONSULTANT she can also see how much
help she needed to start
down this road for Larry. She
recognizes now that daycares
were not the right fit for Larry
and that “he has found his
people” at Footholds.

KIM GRIFFITHS ALESHA GURR LINDSAY MALLETTE LAURA MCCAFFREY,
SCD CONSULTANT SCD CONSULTANT SCD CONSULTANT SCD CONSULTANT

COMOX VALLEY CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT 29

CVCDA PROGRAMS

THE AUTISM PROGRAM

What a year! We have been providing services out of our We also continue to offer our services
new building for a year and it has been amazing to see where the families need it. So a huge
thank you to SD 71 and Beaufort day

our children, and families enjoy the space and light in this care for providing a space when possible
wonderful new environment. for therapy services so parents don’t have
to leave work to drop off and pick up.

With the new space we are able to tackle more direct life It truly is the best case scenario when
services can look at the needs of families
skills goals for our older kids such as meal planning, shopping, and be responsive.
cooking, cleaning and laundry. Another big focus for one of Our new parent support program has
our older groups this year has been job skills. We have been supported 9 families this year with several
doing a lot of interview prep and mock interviews with staff more waiting to start. Jen Coombs has
here at the center. We want to thank Siobhan from Uranus done a fantastic job co-ordinating, plan-
ning and running these sessions.

and Trent from Atlas for offering to provide a more real world We are still seeing an increase in our
experience for our kids. Its amazing when members of the numbers and continue to grow as best
community take time to help support the kids in their goals. we can. This is the first year we have
had to hold a wait list. At this time, we

30 COMOX VALLEY CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT

have 13 families waiting to receive the device. We began with just touching receiver for the entire 2-hour ses-
intervention services. We are looking it to his head, then moved to putting it sion and showing in so many ways
into ways to alleviate this issue with on and off, then increased the intervals that he can now hear us. We also
staffing being the biggest barrier. of time it was on very slowly. We are started him on a Picture Exchange
happy to report he now is wearing the program to give him a way to com-
CVCDA VALUES IN PRACTICE municate his wants and needs. He
is now searching for his binder of
We were blessed with meeting a pictures at TAP and at home when
new family over the course of this he wants something and is eager
year that has stolen our hearts. This to show us what he wants. The
young man started with us at 3 and family has been taking advantage
½ years old. He is deaf and had just of our parent support package and
received a cochlear implant. Things have been so thankful for having
were very challenging for this family some sessions in the home to look
as they had different professionals at using the strategies and learning
looking at him through one lens. about what works best for their
People saw him as either a deaf child son in the home environment.
or as a child with Autism when, as
parents, they really wanted people This family has done an amazing
to just see their wonderful, sweet, job advocating for their son and I
amazing boy. He was struggling respect their diligence and unwaver-
with tolerating the Cochlear device ing dedication to his best interests.
that he was supposed to wear all We are so proud and honored to be
the time and had no formal way of included in this journey. This is just
communicating. The first thing we one example of how our families
wanted the family to know was that enhance our lives on a daily basis.
we heard them and we would make
suggestions based on their input. We We are thankful to the Board for
assured them that they would have final all your support allowing us to carry on
say on strategies. the work we are so passionate about and
shows your continued dedication to the
Our first goal was to desensitize him to families in our community.

THE TEAM MISSING PHOTO: BRITTNEY HOWARD, BEH INTERVENTIONIST

APRIL STATZ ROBERT CHUDLEIGH JEN COOMBS TALIA KERN
PROGRAM MANAGER BEH INTERVENTIONIST
ASSISTANT BEHAVIOUR CONSULTANT BEH INTERVENTIONIST

KATY MACDONALD-HEATH JESSIE PRIDMORE MEREDITH TOWNSEND KATRINA VARDY
LEAD INTERVENTIONIST BEH INTERVENTIONIST BEH INTERVENTIONIST BEH INTERVENTIONIST

COMOX VALLEY CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT 31

CVCDA PROGRAMS

JUMPSTART PRESCHOOL

Since 2007, Jumpstart Preschool is a CVCDA VALUES IN PRACTICE Courtenay Elementary School commu-
community-based program, located in Three years ago Jumpstart Preschool was nity and staff. Holly Edwards continues
Courtenay Elementary School. We serve awarded a grant through the Comox Val- to strengthen this partnership by volun-
3-5 year old children, many of whom re- ley Community Foundation (CVCF) making teering each year in community based
side in the school catchment area. Jump- it possible to purchase appropriate, child- programs within the school such as Wel-
start provides a safe, nurturing, healthy size tables and chairs for the classroom. come to Kindergarten and the English
environment where each child is viewed Program Coordinator, Holly Edwards was Language Learning (ELL) group.
as a unique individual. Jumpstart believes
children learn through play and interviewed this past September by the Jumpstart introduced Elder
promotes play-based learning, Foundation as part of a series of interviews in Residence (Ninoxsola), Ms.
where children can practice lit- with varying Valley programs. These inter- Sheila Buchanon to our class
eracy, numeracy and social skills views showcased the many contributions this past year. Ms. Buchanon
while building self-confidence. the CVCF has made to the community at a shared her love of Cree dance
Gala held in October. (specifically the Red River Jig)
Jumpstart is licensed for up to Jumpstart is strongly connected to the with our preschoolers. She
20 children per day and had a returned to share some child-
total of 29 children registered in hood stories including a Cree
the program this year. Thirteen song to the delight of the chil-
of the preschoolers will be dren and staff. The preschool
entering kindergarten in Sep- looks forward to more visits
tember (most will be attending with Ms. Buchanon next year.
Courtenay Elementary School).
The remaining preschoolers will The annual Jumpstart Christ-
be returning to in September. mas potluck party was once
again a success. This year the
Preschool children come to Jump- event began with collective
start through a variety of sources including family art activities in the classroom
the CVCDA programs and Courtenay followed by a brief, festive performance
Elementary. The principal facilitates further by the children. The program was once
awareness of the Jumpstart Preschool by again treated (13 years and counting) to
including information about the program the exciting arrival of our jolly, red-suited
in communications to the school's families. elf. He carried on his tradition of distrib-
This has been very helpful in increasing our uting the gift of books to the children
numbers over the last three years. and ending with a special story. After-
wards, families and staff headed to the
THE TEAM school library for a delicious potluck.

Jumpstart also received their annual visit
from the community dental hygienist.
This is always a wonderful opportunity
for the children to be introduced to den-
tal health in a fun and stress-free manner
in their own classroom.

Jumpstart benefits from Courtenay Ele-
mentary’s Healthy Food Program within
Courtenay Elementary, the fresh fruit,
vegetables and milk they receive twice

HOLLY EDWARDS DONNA THORDARSON MISSING PHOTO: HEATHER GREALEY
PROGRAM COORDINATOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION ASSISTANT EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION ASSISTANT

32 COMOX VALLEY CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT

a month is a wonderful addition to the ENTER COVID-19
daily snack time.
Covid-19 virus changed the course of events globally this year.
The 1000 by five program offered Jumpstart Preschool closed temporarily when the schools
through the local rotary club delivers closed in March.
packages of gently-used children’s books Out of adversity came opportunity. Holly and Heather established
to each of our students five times during a Jumpstart Facebook group in lieu of the temporary closure
the course of the year. This is greatly of their program. This group was created to meet the needs of
appreciated by all of our families and preschool families during these challenging times. It has proven
further supports literacy for our pre- to be a positive, interactive lifeline for all of the families of
schoolers! Jumpstart as well as the staff. Our team offered story time on a
weekly basis and supported innovative and child-friendly ideas by
A continued partnership with the CVC- both staff and family members.
DA's Project Inclusion program brought a
young adult to the classroom who shared
some of her American Sign Language
skills with the children. We are hoping to
continue this partnership next year.

VANCOUVER ISLAND
SUPPORTED CHILD DEVELOPMENT REGIONAL ADVISOR

As the Regional Advisor for the Sup- meetings held by MCFD for SCD Regional sentation from Dr. Martin Brokenleg on
ported Child Development Program Advisors across the province to discuss “building Strengths – Early Childhood”.
(SCDP), I provide support and training the Child Care Prototype Centres and in This was a wonderful, informative and
to SCD programs on Vancouver Island. particular the transition of Inclusion Pilot enlightening presentation which we
Support includes facilitating networking Centres back to SCD. received much positive feedback.
opportunities, fielding questions around
policy and procedure and disseminating I am also part of a Child Care Inclusion
relevant information. Toolkit Working Group through MCFD.

There are regional advisors for Infant I attended “Kids Can’t Wait”, a community
Development (IDP), Aboriginal Infant gathering organized by MCFD and BCCDI.
Development (AIDP), Supported Child
Development and Aboriginal Supported I attended the Early Years Conference
Child Development (ASCD) in each of which was a wonderful opportunity to net-
the five regions in the province of BC. work with other SCD Programs and Region-
We participate in Provincial Networking al Advisors. It was also an opportunity for
meetings held by MCFD). some excellent professional development.

I attended an in person provincial net- I collaborated with the Vancouver Island

working meeting in Richmond in Septem- AIDP, IDP and ASCD Advisors in hosting a KATHY CRUICKSHANK
ber. I also attended several teleconference half day of networking and a full day pre- PROGRAM MANAGER & REGIONAL ADVISOR

IDP REGIONAL ADVISOR

The CVCDA partners with the Clements Centre in the Cowichan
Valley for the services of Terri Stamko, who is the Regional
Infant Development Program Advisor.

COMOX VALLEY CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT 33

CVCDA PROGRAMS

BEHAVIOUR CONSULTATION

The Behavioural Consultation program is a provincially-fund- many ways, large and small. Here are
ed support program for families with a child who has diverse some examples:
abilities and presents with some behaviour that the family • One family learned some strategies
finds challenging. An approach called Positive Behaviour
Support is used to partner with families to assist them with to make outings more predictable for
creating supportive environments for their child at home and their daughter, which enabled her to
in the community. join them on valued family outings to
the beach, to church, and to restau-
Together with families and other team members, we con- rants without the behaviour they were
duct comprehensive assessments and develop individualized previously finding stressful.
support plans that focus on strategies for teaching children • One child wanted to be a part of a
new skills. The strategies are then implemented by families community gymnastics class, and we
in their own home with consultant support and training. were able to work as a team with the
instructor and the family to adjust
The program aims to increase overall tism and developmental disabilities, and supports for him to participate. He
quality of life for the child and family, am a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst. had a blast!
strengthen family relationships, reduce • One youth and her parents worked to-
behaviour that interferes with learning CVCDA VALUES IN PRACTICE gether to keep her safe online so that
and community inclusion, and teach the she could connect with her friends the
child new skills. Skills taught depend on Supporting families and other team way she wants to.
the individual child and family priori- members to make all settings meaning- • I have participated in workshops relat-
ties, but are generally related to getting fully inclusive to all is always a priori- ed to providing inclusive services for
their needs met, daily living, and social ty. To me, inclusion at its core means gender-diverse clients and families.
interaction. everyone is valued, engaged, and feels Supporting meaningful inclusion for all
connected. This looks different for ev- is a priority for the program, and reflects
The program serves children aged 3-19 eryone and is determined by individuals the value that Everyone Belongs.
with developmental disabilities who are and families.
eligible for Children and Youth with Spe- MEGHAN O’ROURKE
cial Needs services through the Ministry A Positive Behaviour Support approach BEHAVIORAL CONSULTANT
of Children and Families. Families are facilitates meaningful inclusion by
referred to the program by their CYSN strengthening relationships, arranging
social worker. environments to better suit everyone’s
strengths and preferences, and provid-
I am the Behaviour Analyst involved ing individualized skill-building in natural
with the CYSN Behaviour Consultation settings such as home, educational
program at the CVCDA. I have enjoyed settings, sports fields, leisure activities,
supporting children and families in a Grandma’s house, and community
variety of capacities for several years. I events.
have a Masters of Education in Special
Education with a concentration in au- This year, I have worked with teams to
build capacity in the area of inclusion in

34 COMOX VALLEY CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT

CYSN FAMILY SUPPORT WORKERS

As CYSN Family Support Workers, we provide individualized difficult position of needing to find
support to CYSN-eligible children and their families. We a new rental unit on a fixed income
work closely with families in their homes and in the commu- during a housing shortage. At the
nity to provide them with information, guidance, advocacy, same time, their CYSN-eligible child
and problem-solving across a broad range of areas. was due to start at a new school, a
transition that the family was worried
about.

Our service is typically offered to families for a one-year We were able to support the family
term. Some of the support we have provided to families in creating a “rental resume”, apply
over the past year has included accessing recreation pro- for BC Housing, and look for rental
gramming for low-income families, connecting with services listings, and the family found a new
for children with autism, communicating with school teams, place to live.
attending pediatrician appointments, providing transportation
to specialist appointments, applying for funding for special- We also connected with the new
ized equipment, and building on parenting skills by providing school in advance so that the transi-
information, strategies and materials. tion went well for their child. In the
same period of time, we also worked
There are many areas in which we can opportunity for our program. Mostly it with the parent to complete recre-
help families with our knowledge and demonstrates the great need. ation subsidy forms so that one of
skills. Our services are voluntary and their other children could start swim-
family-centred. We use this approach CVCDA VALUES IN PRACTICE ming lessons. We also attended meet-
to work with parents to arrive at priori- ings and helped complete paperwork
ties for our involvement. Because we work so closely with so a different form of schooling for a
many of our families, it is often dif- third child could be put into place.
One area that has been consistent- ficult to say goodbye when it’s time
ly challenging for families that we to close services. For one family this These developments were among
work with is respite. Many families past year, we had seen them make so many other positive changes for
receive direct-funded respite monies many positive shifts that saying good- the family. Consistent with CVCDA
through CYSN to hire support people bye felt a little easier. The single par- values, we worked with this family
for caregiving relief. However, there is ent of four kids was in the extremely from a basis of respect and inclusion,
a shortage of respite providers in our and witnessing their capacity grow so
community so families are challenged THE TEAM much made saying goodbye to them
with finding someone who can help a little easier for our service.
care for their child. This is something
that many of our families struggle with
and it is challenging not be able to
help more in this area!

This past year, while program staffing SARAH SHELIN FOREST PALUMBO
hours have remained the same, we CYSN FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER CYSN FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER
have shifted from one full-time work-
er to two part-time workers. Sharing
ideas together about how best to
support families has strengthened the
services we offer! Also, we have begun
to carry a wait list for CYSN FSW sup-
port. This is both a challenge and an

COMOX VALLEY CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT 35

CVCDA PROGRAMS

PATHWAYS TO HEALING PARTNERSHIP

As a team of specially-trained clinical Health Nurses, Healthy Babies Groups, with diverse local and provincial systems,
counsellors, our work focuses primarily Foster Parents, School District Strong Start were able to provide pivotal client care that
on supporting the mental health and Programs, Neurosequential Model (NMT) simultaneously upheld parent-child unifi-
attachment needs of vulnerable pregnant study groups, hospital maternity wards cation and built stronger relationships with
women and their babies, throughout and neonatal intensive care units (NICU), community partners. A pregnant mother
the perinatal period. This critical work and a group for Mothers in Recovery was referred to one of our clinicians at
is carried out as a two-tiered approach, from substance use. These initiatives are several months’ gestation, and faced many
whereby as our clients are being sup- being carried out all across Vancouver significant challenges ranging from current
ported directly, our PTHP team members Island, but primarily in the Comox Valley problematic substance use, to housing
are simultaneously building trauma and and in Port Hardy. We are inspired and instability. Despite challenging odds, this
attachment-informed capacity within well-supported in doing this important mother was passionate about being the
the systems providing their care (Health, work, despite the inherent challenges of best parent she could be and was excited
Mental Health, MCFD, and many others). unpredictable funding availability, and the to form a secure attachment with her com-
sometimes-slow rate of uptake by systems ing child. She was the inspirational driving
Within the last year, our team has con- in working through the new lens we force behind her own ultimate success,
tinued to provide integral support for uphold and purvey. In the future, we have which our team was honoured to support.
mother-child dyads with complex needs, plans to increase MCFD support to include
and have seen great success in reducing out-of-care caregivers (non-parental family The premise of the work our team did with
client stress, and working creatively and members caring for children), and provid- this client, in recognition that fetal devel-
flexibly to uphold family unification in the ing training for the Nanaimo NICU. opment and attachment are undermined
face of great odds. Through this work, on a neurobiological level by stress, was to
we support parent-child mental health by CVCDA VALUES IN PRACTICE reduce as much stress as possible for her
valuing attachment as the underpinning during pregnancy and around birth. One
of future development and functioning. One case over the past year stands out as of our clinicians, who took the time to
We work collaboratively with multiple an exemplar of how we, in collaboration build a strong and collaborative therapeu-
systems to carry out this work in a reflec- tic relationship with this client, spent much
tive and compassionate way, and employ of her time working in extremely flexible
many avenues to support this relational ways to support stabilization and help our
lens throughout multiple systems. Our client attain basic needs and safety during
team houses three trainers who sup- pregnancy. When our client was admitted
port this practice through teaching the to hospital for delivery, a new phase of
relational and developmental model of work began, which was based in not only
Brazelton Touchpoints, to multiple teams supporting our mom but also in support-
across Vancouver Island. We also have ing the direct medical system which sur-
team members who hold other regular rounded her. Through collaboration with
trainings and reflective practice groups a physician, we were able to advocate
with diverse agencies such as Public for our client by building capacity with

THE TEAM MISSING PHOTOS: NICOLE BURGESS AND SHANNON PASSMORE

JAN FERENCE ANDREW MCKENZIE VANESSA HITCHCOCK PAULA BAZETT
PROGRAM DIRECTOR CHILD TRAUMA CONSULTANT PERINATAL TRAUMA CONSULTANT TOUCHPOINTS COORDINATOR

36 COMOX VALLEY CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT

hospital staff around understanding FRIENDSHIP PROJECT
addiction through a compassionate and
de-stigmatizing harm-reduction lens. Friendship Project is made up of about to be introduced to several other Team
This, of course, was another avenue for 20 adults who are eligible for Communi- members and get some exercise.
stress reduction, and a path to a safer ty Living BC (CLBC) service based on de-
hospital stay for our client. velopmental diversities. We are children, Music nights: Since several of our
parents, neighbours, college students, members play instruments, a drumming
After the birth of our client’s new baby, day program attendees, employees, and circle was added to our calendar, result-
Pathways team members in conjunc- volunteers. We have autism, and FASD, ing in a huge turnout, and an excellent
tion with local volunteers, arranged to Down Syndrome and other diagnosis. opportunity for one of our non verbal
provide 24hr/day support for our client We are artists and musicians, athletes participants to express herself. The group
during the critical post-partum period. and technology experts. Additionally, decided that they would like the next one
This was a mandated requirement of family, friends, support staff, and volun- to be less structured and to have more
MCDF, for our client to keep her baby. teers are always welcome to join us at instruments for them to try and a bit of
When our client’s incredible abilities as the CVCDA and any community events. karaoke. The following month, we adapt-
a parent became quickly apparent, this ed the drumming circle to include guitar,
supervision requirement was lightened Friendship Project helps individuals build mandolin, harmonicas, keyboard, and
to intermittent daily check-ins with our lasting friendships within the group and various percussion instruments joined in
team. The most significant part of the the community. Members choose activ- as members sang classics and the facili-
care plan for our client and her new ities and community events of interest tator was asked to jot down words to a
baby was to support a secure attach- and we base a monthly calendar around “friendship Project theme song.”
ment and rooming-in together as the these suggestions.
most potent and evidence-based forms
of promoting wellness after a high- The I Belong Center/ Vanier suites (IBC)
er-risk birth. Attachment is the medi- has invited the group to attend their
cine, which our client-mother showed monthly potluck and activity night, after
us clearly that she was the expert on being introduced by a resident who
with her new child. joined Friendship Project. This has been a
great opportunity as the IBC offers many
Not long after the birth, our client activities adapted to meet individual
made the courageous choice to enter needs. As a result, many new connec-
into a long-term recovery and treat- tions have been made.
ment program where she and her
baby could reside together. Our team Swimming at the Aquatic Centre was CLOVER STURROCK
is lucky enough to receive regular up- suggested by a member who is part of PROGRAM COORDINATOR
dates on the pair’s continued success the Special Olympics Swimming Team,
and strong, secure attachment. This and this gave the opportunity for us
baby has received the loving maternal
care, attention, and attunement which
will literally go on to support their
mental health and functional capabil-
ities for a lifetime of meaningful rela-
tionships and experiences. During this
explosive period of brain development
in the first year of life, whereby each
neuron increases from having 2500
up to 15000 connections with other
neurons (The University of Maine,
2001), this child is receiving the daily
patterns of soothing, nurturing, and
connection with their mother, that will
go on to form healthy templates of
how they will see people and navigate
life. We are proud to have been a
part in this mother and child’s web
of support, which every family in our
society needs and deserves.

COMOX VALLEY CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT 37

CVCDA PROGRAMS

PROJECT INCLUSION

Project Inclusion is a group for swimming regularly and
adults, ages 19 and up with became increasingly comfort-
diverse abilities. We support able chatting with our other
each other in seeking inclusion participants. James started at-
in our community, employ- tending group outings, which
ment, independent living and he had refused to do in his
having fun! early years with the program.
He also started participating
Our group is at full capacity, set in his ways, James took a lot of con- in bottle returns to fundraise
with many members in their vincing to venture away from his video for our program.
twelfth year, and in their games and engage with group activities.
early-mid thirties. Several He also took a lot of encouragement to In Spring 2019, James had an
newer members are in their use his communication device and chat opportunity to give a presen-
early-mid twenties. Our senior with anyone or participate in our morn- tation to the Human Service
participants are reaching their ing sharing group. Worker students at North
goals and enjoying stability in Island College about living
their community and work/ Bit by bit, we saw James grow. With with an acquired brain injury.
home lives. the support of our group and staff he We were thrilled to see James
attended college math classes, start- succeed, and couldn’t help but reflect
As they grow older, the program has ed venturing outside for rides on his back on how far James had come in the
been evolving to meet their changing A-linker walking bicycle and became past few years with the encouragement
needs, and support them along their engaged with Courtenay’s tabletop of his Project Inclusion family.
path. Our younger members, who’ve gaming community. After years of
joined in the past few years are just refusing to go to the pool, he started Elle Overcomes Transit Challenges
beginning to carve out a more indepen-
dent path for themselves, and it’s been We welcomed Elle to our group in Sum-
exciting for them to strive for inclusion mer 2018, right after her 19th birthday.
and autonomy with the support of staff Elle has brought an exuberant energy
and senior members. and sense of humour to Project Inclu-
sion. One of Elle’s goals was to over-
James Presents to HSW Students come a hurdle that had long given her
anxiety. This was the idea of navigating
When James first came to Project In- the Comox Valley transit system.
clusion almost 5 years ago, he was not
keen to open up and make friends. A bit In Fall 2019, after some convincing,
and with the support of several friends
THE TEAM joining her, Elle took the bus. She was
nervous and unsure but she put one
WENDY HAWKSWORTH DONNA BACON foot in front of the other and did it. She
PROGRAM COORDINATOR PROGRAM WORKER then went again, and again with friends
from Project Inclusion. She now regularly
takes the bus from our program to the
college. Though she’s not yet taking
the bus all by herself, she’s demystified
the whole experience by finally trying it.
Overcoming her anxiety and successfully
riding the bus has been a huge boon
to Elle’s self esteem, and given her the
confidence to tackle more challenges.

MISSING: CHRISTA HERRLING, SEAN MATTHEWS
AND SHANNON SKENDER, PROGRAM WORKERS

38 COMOX VALLEY CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT

COMMUNITY INTEGRATION PROGRAM

The Community Integration Program (CIP) at the CVCDA We have seen in some situations; this
provides an environment (think living room, family room, a has led to lifelong friendships.
kitchen, a bathroom and a shower) to develop and practice
social and life skills. Our staff has remained the same over CVCDA VALUES AT THE CORE
the year and brings over 80 years of combined experience
in working with youth. One of the important components of
the program is we encourage those
During the past year, with the creative amongst all our participants is the lack of who have been attending longer or who
use of our donated resources of recy- opportunities to interact with their peers have stronger skills, to mentor other
cled equipment such as computers, outside of the school setting. Many of participants. This has been exemplified
game consoles, puzzles, games, arts our participants connect via social media, in someone who although had aged out
and craft supplies, musical instruments, but they lack the valuable opportunity to of the program several years ago has
cooking utensils and limited transporta- practice face to face social skills. remained as a volunteer. Consistently
tion, we delivered 2285 hours of service Max has attended as a volunteer twice
to an average of 14 participants each CIP has an eclectic group of partici- a week. Once in the afternoon with the
month. The number of participants pants. In our program we recognize swimming program and once in the eve-
were less since September as a few of that just because our participants are ning when he brings his familiarity with
our 18-year-old participants did not not Nerotypical, it does not mean they gaming and internet media to the video
return to the program after high school will automatically get along and form a game evening. Max is very accepting of
graduation but moved on to the next friendship. others and the participants often find
stage of their lives. themselves drawn easily into conver-
The staff of CIP work hard to find sations about what they are watching
We also provided opportunities to be- common activities of interest that are on YouTube or into gameplay. Working
come comfortable and familiar with semi exciting and will entice our participants once or twice a week at Tim Hortons
independently navigating community to want to come to our groups. and attending courses at North Island
settings like the swimming pool, bowling College, Max presents the youth with
alley, grocery stores, restaurants, librar- Once our participants are excited to a positive example of the steps that are
ies, walking trails, streets and parks. come to our program it lends the oppor- possible after their own graduation.
tunity, as they grow more comfortable
The youth that attend our program come with relating to each other, for teachable Building self-confidence, familiarity with
to us with varying diagnosis, experienc- moments. With these, our participants the community, and an acceptance of
es and challenges. One commonalty can learn and practice how to interact self and others are the goals we have for
with their peers in a safe environment. all of our participants as strong step-
ping-stones that will lead to fulfilling
lives rich with positive relationships.

THE TEAM

BOB GAMBLE DEB GRAVES PENNY KAMPEN
PROGRAM COORDINATOR YOUTH WORKER YOUTH WORKER

COMOX VALLEY CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT 39

YEAR IN REVIEW

ALL CVCDA TEAM MEMBERS

MANAGEMENT TEAM

Joanne Schroeder. Outgoing Executive Director
Cindy Xavier, Incoming Executive Director
Tanner McNabb, Director of Finance and Operations

ADMINISTRATION & SUPPORT TEAM

Donna Bacon Sandi McDonald
Karasima Brands Matt Macey
Michelle Erikson Charlene Wallace-Dille
Brooklyn Galloway Robyn Walsh

PROFESSIONAL TEAM Deb Graves Jennifer McInnes
Heather Grealey Mary McKenna
Kylee Abrahamson Kim Griffiths Andrew McKenzie
Dianne Aikman Alesha Gurr Tara Moose
Marleah Aikman Wendy Hawksworth Chelsey Newton
Sandra Allen Lesley Henderson Meghan O’Rourke
Mavis Aubichon Christa Herrling Forest Palumbo
Donna Bacon Vanessa Hitchcock Shannon Passmore
Paula Bazett Laurel Hodgins Jessie Pridmore
Nicole Burgess Nikki Holekamp Tala Preston
Naomi Caine Brittney Howard Samantha Rumney
Carlin Christensen Dixie Hunt-Scott Sarah Shelin
Robert Chudleigh Cheryl Jordan Shannon Skender
Jennifer Coombs Penny Kampen April Statz
Kathy Cruickshank Kyla Kennedy Clover Sturrock
Angie DeJersey Talia Kern Donna Thordarson
Karli Dillon Makayla Laluha Mary Touhey
Amy Edwards Jennifer Legarie Meredith Townsend
Holly Edwards Jennifer Lewis Debby Tutt
Sarah Fascione Catherine Macdonald-Heath Katrina Vardy
Jan Ference Lindsay Mallette Michele Walls
Alexis Forbes Sean Matthews Sara White
Janice Forsey Laura McCaffrey Tina Williams
Beth Fraser Brendan McCann Oshrat Zemel
Bob Gamble
Marika Gould

40 COMOX VALLEY CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT

2019-2020 FIGURES

2019-2020 FIGURES

FINANCIAL DATA

2019-2020 Revenues By Program

2019-2020 FIGURES

26% Supported Child Development

14% Early Intervention 3% 3% 2%2%1% 1% 1% 26%
11% The Autism Program 14%
10% Pathways to Healing
7% Infant Development

5% Project inclusion

4% Pathways to Healing 4%
4% General revenue 4%
3% Early Years

3% ASLP 5%
3% Community Integration

2% Behavioural Consultant 7%
2% Family Advocate

2% Family Support Worker 10% 11%
1% Friendship Project

1% Jumpstart Preschool

1% Infant Development Regional

1% Aboriginal Infant Development

2019-22001280/19RReevveneune SuoeurcSesources

Other Revenue Government 2019-2020TTotoalteaxpleEnsxespbey ntypsees By Type
15% Contributions

Service Fees 71%
14%

Specified Other
program expense 8%

16%

Wages, benefits
& other
76%

42 COMOX VALLEY CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT

CLIENT FIGURES

2019-2020 Clients By Community

2% 2% 1%
3%
61% Courtenay 5%
21% Comox
5% Cumberland 21% Comox 61% Courtenay
3% Lazo
2% Black Creek
2% Royston
2% Campbell River
1% Fanny Bay
1% Other
1% Hornby Island
1% Denman Island
1% Union Bay

2019-2020 Clients Served By Program

282 - Supported Child Development (SCD) CIP BC AIDP FSW PI
171 - Occupational Therapy (OT) ASCD
149 - Speech and Language (SLP) SCD
137 - Physical Therapy (PT) ASL SLP OT
118 - Infant Development (IDP) TAP
94 - The Autism Program (TAP)
70 - Aboriginal Speech and Language (ASL) IDP
42 - Aboriginal Supported Child Development (ASCD)
36 - Community Integration Program (CIP) PT
26 - Behavioural Consultant (BC)
25 - Aboriginal Infant Development (AIDP)
19 - Family Support Worker (FSW)
11 - Project Inclusion (PI)

COMOX VALLEY CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT 43

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