Released on April 29, 1997
Social Services Minister Lorne Calvert today announced that the week ofApril 27 to May 3 has been proclaimed Early Childhood Intervention
Week.
"I want to acknowledge all of the parents, staff and volunteers who,
each day, work patiently and tirelessly with infants and young children
with disabilities or developmental delays to help ensure they have the
best possible start in life," Calvert said.
"Raising these children presents tremendous challenges, and daily life
for both child and parents can often be a struggle. Home-based early
intervention programs seek to provide some relief by offering support
and assistance to the family.
"We know that early intervention is extremely important if we hope to
help these children achieve their potential and become active members
of the community."
In recognition of the importance of early intervention, the government
targeted an additional $60,000 to the Early Childhood Intervention
Program in its 1997-98 budget. The new funding will expand the program
by twenty spaces, and bring total funding to $1,615,450.
The Early Childhood Intervention Program provides in-home support
services to parents and makes it possible for disabled and
developmentally-delayed children to remain at home with their families.
Through Saskatchewan's Action Plan for Children, the government works
in partnership with individuals, community agencies and organizations
across the province to provide a range of programs to enhance the lives
of the province's children and their families.
"Our children are our future and our efforts to provide them with
opportunities, and appropriate care and support are sound investments
in that future," Calvert said.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Virginia Wilkinson
Social Services
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-0916