PURPOSE
The home based Early Childhood Intervention Program (ECIP) is a non-profit service operating under the Ministry of Education and housed at the Don Ross Centre in North Battleford. BECIP has been in the Battlefords since January 1982. The aim of the program is to “provide home based services and supports to families with children who are birth to school age, who are developmentally delayed or "at risk" for delay, to identify and implement realistic goals for their children and family." In addition, BECIP incorporates into its program additional services beyond the home-based intervention, such as special family events, and partnerships with community agencies.
BECIP believes that all children with developmental delays or who are at risk for delay:
1. Shall be seen as children first.
2. Shall be served within the context of their families.
3. All families should have access to early intervention support services.
4. Shall be provided with inclusive opportunities in education, leisure, recreational and other community activities.
5. Shall have readily available access to special resources and facilities as needed.
Parents are the first and most important teachers in their child's life, as well, the child can learn best in the familiar atmosphere of the home. That is why ECIP's are home-based. A child is a child first and we believe we must build on the strengths of the child and the family. We must show acceptance and understanding of families’ needs and various cultural or religious beliefs. We need to help parents accept the child with special needs and provide support and information to assist in dealing with difficult situations. We must also work at developing attitude changes in our communities, so that children with special needs are accepted as children first.
VISION
Families of children 0-school age will receive support from within the community to ensure children, in their early years, reach their optimal development.
- Early Childhood Services will be a continuum of integrated services.
- Family-centered approach.
- Integrated health, social, educational and culturally-appropriate services.
- Comprehensive service model.
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