Welcome to the Early Childhood Integration Support Services

The ECISS is a family centered support system, which integrates children who have a special need or may be ‘at risk’. Supports are provided for children between eighteen (18) months and six (6) years of age, in daycare centres and nursery schools. We also provide supports for children six (6) to twelve (12) years of age in licensed programs. Our service may be provided in any centre in Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry counties.

How do you get services from our program?

Any adult who knows a child who may require integrative supports may make a referral, with parental approval. As soon as possible, the Coordinator will set up a home visit to determine the child’s needs and the family’s expectations for their child. Referrals should be made, if possible, one (1) year in advance.

Who would work with your child?

The Coordinator of the Early Childhood Integration Support Service supervises and trains personnel hired to work as Integration Facilitators, who then work in the child care centres directly with the children.

What does the Integration Facilitator work on with your child?

First, a planning conference is set up with the parents, centre staff, therapists, psychologists and anyone involved with the child. This team approach ensures that everyone involved with the child is committed to working on the identified needs and goals.

From the planning conference, an I.E.P. (Individual Education Plan) evolves. This plan outlines the child’s current behaviours, skills, determines priorities, describes methods and activities and designates responsibilities. The I.E.P. is reviewed about every three (3) months or when anyone involved with the child requests a review.

Our basic philosophy is very simple:

• We believe that ALL children (regardless of their limitations or abilities) deserve equal opportunities.
• We believe that ALL children (regardless of minor differences) are more alike than different.
• We believe that ALL children (with or without a handicap) learn through the process of play.
• We believe that ALL children learn from other children and that ALL children have something to teach other children.
• We believe that ALL children need the love and friendship of other children.

Therefore, we believe that EVERY child (regardless of economic, mental or physical differences) should be provided with all the supports that are necessary to foster a healthy and happy lifestyle as an integral part of the community.