Our early childhood intervention program offers a team of professionals in special education, speech, occupational and physiotherapy, and social work in some areas. Family and staff work together to plan the family’s “mix” of service in response to their current priorities.

This beautiful picture along with all the other pictures at the top of each Lifestart web page, were drawn by children in our Early Childhood Intervention Program.

For members and non-members:

• Open Playgroup

For members:

• Flexible range of play-based learning groups where the whole family may take part;
• Access to professionals in special education, speech, occupational and physiotherapy;
• Development of Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP);
• Home visits;
• Educational workshops for family members and support people;
• Transition to school programs;
• Assistance in locating other resources and services that may provide additional support to families;
• Other programs and services that support the family as needs change;

Open Playgroup
Open Playgroup welcomes all families. It is designed to offer a stimulating and welcoming experience to families with an infant or preschooler who has, or is at risk of having, an intellectual disability or developmental delay. Staffed by a special educator, therapists, aides and volunteers, Open Playgroup includes planned playtime activities, group time, snack time, and opportunities for parent-to-parent contact and discussion. Click here to find your nearest Lifestart Open Playgroup.

Play-based learning groups
Families and professionals learning and playing together in a group setting is the core of Lifestart’s services. Each play-based learning group enables families to work towards their goals in a small group setting, developing and practising strategies in a comfortable, friendly and familiar setting with professional support and family-to-family contact. The environments are “engineered” so that each child has access to activities and routines which will promote their individual development.

Individual sessions
Special education teachers, speech therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists are vital members of the Lifestart team. Sessions supporting the family’s goals for their child are held at Lifestart centres, preschools, in the home, and in the community, such as the park or shopping centre.

Home Visits
Home visits are often chosen by Lifestart families to develop strategies for use specifically in the home. This may include exploring ways to use daily routines, such as mealtimes, as opportunities for learning, or planning a way to approach challenging behaviour.

Educational workshops
Lifestart understands that information is empowering. Based upon member families’ needs, Lifestart offers a variety of workshops and seminars. Sessions include behaviour management, toilet training, communication, transition to school, and others.

Resource Assistance
Lifestart members can access Lifestart’s library of books and other resources. Lifestart operates a revolving library of information and resources to each of its branches through a generous grant from the St. George Foundation.