Released on April 29, 2008
Education Minister Ken Krawetz has proclaimed April 27 to May 3 as Early Childhood Intervention Program (ECIP) Week in Saskatchewan.
"ECIPs help children who are at risk of or experience developmental delays to reach their best potential," Krawetz said. "During this week, we recognize the important assistance ECIPs provide to ensure the learning success and achievement of our young people, which is vital to securing the future of our province."
"ECIPs across the province provide a necessary support to families and their children who are developmentally delayed or at risk for delay through home based services. These services not only provide support in the areas of child development and community outreach, but also in family dynamics. We also reach out to prekindergarten, Head Start and early learning and child care environments," Battlefords ECIP executive director Colleen Sabraw said.
This year's provincial budget provided additional support for Saskatchewan's 15 ECIPs, including a 9.5 per cent increase in funding and an increase in the number of spaces from 635 to 704.
ECIPs are a province-wide network of community-based supports for developmentally delayed children and their families that foster smooth transitions to school and community-based programs.
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For more information, contact:
Jacquie McLean
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5609
Email: jmclean@sasked.gov.sk.ca